ESPN

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Welcome to sunny South Florida where Jimmie Johnson is on the brink of history. Fire away with those questions before I get a sunburn.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

When we will hear the official announcement of Danica Patrick signed to drive a limited Nationwide Series schedule?

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

I'm told sometime in December. Check out the latest rumor that I just sent five minutes ago.

Fred (al) [via mobile]

So with Braun going to four cars who do you think will drive the 32-10 cars

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

No word as of yet. Sorry, been on a plane and haven't dug into that one.

Doug (Branson, MO)

At Phoenix on the radio when Stewart got caught up in Junior wreck we heard Tony say, "We're junk. Dale Junior that No-Talent SOB"THat was the heat of battle but are those Tony's honest , most inner most feelings about Dale jr?

David Newton

  (2:03 PM)

Tony says a lot of things in the heat of battle that he regrets later on. He didn't realize the wreck was caused, from what I was told, by an oil leak. Even so, I was surprised when I was told he said that. Those two have been close over the years.

Hurley (Florida)

It has been reported that Brad K burned his bridges at Henricks. Is that why Mr H let Brad go to Penske without putting up a fight to keep him?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

He did put up a fight for him. He just didn't have anywhere to put him. If you look at RH's words when Keselowski signed he talked about maybe one day getting him back.

Mary (PA)

With Denny sure to put Brad into the wall during the Nationwide race do you think that David Stremme will also wreck out Brad on Sunday?

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

On purpose or not? Sorry, couldn't resist. I highly doubt Denny will follow through with his threat and run the risk that NASCAR might park him for the Cup race. By the way, was on the plane with Brad Keselowski. He really is a nice guy who is pretty sharp and media savvy.

Sparty (Spartanburg)

Any word on where Addington is headed?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Not yet. He told me last week he's talking to a lot of people. Kurt Busch seems obvious, but what about Brad Keselowski. I'm betting there is a change there and Steve would be perfect for BK.

RAY GORDON REID ( DARLINTON SC 29352)

COMMENT AT2,20 PM TO DAVID NEWTON THANK YOU DAVID FOR ANSWERING OUR NASCAR QUESTIONS

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Hey, my pleasure. How's the weather in Darlington? It's where I was born, you know.

Stu (Virginia)

Not to bust your chops, but Earnhardt Junior is a Wrangler guy too.... now for the real question-one road trip this summer, you pick the destination: ORP/Brickyard, Daytona July race, College World Series (we'd be camping at all of them)

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Tough one. If you love baseball the CWS is super fun. If you're more into cars, take the Brickyard. Indy is a fun city.

norm (palm springs ca)

Hello Newt, With JJ in cruise mode, who's gonna win the Ford 400? What do you tink of AJ in a Ford, Ragan has the new engine this week also. It would be nice to see the local driver win, he has several nice runs in the chase, and will be he 1st time in the Chevy at Miami.

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

It wouldn't surprise me to see the guy on cruise control win. Otherise, I'd pick Greg Biffle. He loves this track. As for AJ in a Ford and Ragan with the new engine, not much to say about it. It's all preparing for next season.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

Hey Dave, so far in the chase Dale Jr has been wrecked at NH, blown engine at Kansas, flat tire/wrecked at Cali, broken gear at Charlotte, Brake issue at Martisville, ran out of gas at Texas and had a ruptured oil line at Phoenix causing him to spin. I?m gonna go out on a limb and say that he?ll get struck by lightning this weekend, and that will bring this depressing season to a perfect end, agree?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Good one. It is hard to believe he's had so many troubles and the rest of the Hendrick teams haven't. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there'll be lots of changes to that crew during the offseason.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

I think Jeff Gluck tweeted a better one liner on Brad K. He said Brad K has a middle seat in coach! He said, ?NASCAR told me to tone it down, I couldn't bump anybody from first class.?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

It was a good line. Was going to use it but Gluck beat me to the tweet. BK also said something about knocking other planes out of the way if they let him fly. Crazy world, Twitterville.

chris d (Columbia, md)

Afternoon David, Just read your piece on marketing, Nascar, and the lack of marketing for even a champion like Jimmie Johnson. I have and always will be a Stewart fan (although recently he is getting a little "boring" since becoming an owner...but anyway). I have thought about this issue with Johnson's appeal many times and although I respect him for his drive, skills, and will to win I just can't get into him as a driver. He has one of the best sponsors, cars, and seems like a really good guy but I don't see his personality. The coolest thing I have seen from him is staying in the car after that wreck at phoenix. I thought that was great, but not enough for me to go buy his gear. I don't know, I just don't think if there were "Air Johnsons" that anyone would buy them, I don't like him enough to pick them up. Maybe "Smoke Taylors" though, now that would be something I could pick up.Thanks and keep up the good work!

David Newton

  (2:12 PM)

Thanks for the comments. If you haven't noticed, most people that sit in the stands or camp at the track wear tennis shoes. Might as well capitalize on the market.

Ben (Seattle)

Was that Tony Stewart's true evaluation of Dale when he said, "We're junk. Dale Junior that No-talent SOB" at Phoenix on the radio?

David Newton

  (2:13 PM)

You'd have to ask Tony, and I will this weekend. As I said earlier, it's not the first time Tony said something without thinking it through.

Heath (WV)

Do you think all of Brad K's victims; Carl, Denny, Bliss, Allgaier, Boyer, Kurt and Mark Martin have discussed and decided on the punishment Denny is going to dish out to Brad at Homestead?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

As much fun as this is to write about, I believe you'll be disappointed.

Jeff (Mobile, AL)

Hey Dave, who's the got the fastest car?

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

The guy out front.

JAMMER (UTAH)

DAVID, WITH THE SEASON ENDING SUNDAY, IF YOU WERE MR. FRANCE, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IN NASCAR DURING THE OFF SEASON?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Shorten the season. Maybe 30 or 32 events. It's just too long and I believe one reason fans lose interest. End it around Labor Day Weekend. At Darlington.

Travis (VT)

The cup is now in Jimmie's grasp, but with guys like Burton and Earnhardt Jr. racking up great year end finishes, who has the best shot next year at beating out Johnson for his fifth title?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

I wouldn't go with the two you mentioned, and by the way Earnhardt isn't racking up great finishes. I'll go with Kyle Busch. If he gets consistency with his new crew chief he'll be dangerous.

T-berry (J-town)

Dave, I enjoyed your positive article last week about Junior and Kyle. Are you trying to be nice to them to get on their Christmas lists?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

Hardly. I really do believe Kyle will be good in 2010 and Junior much improved.

Jason (Ft. Lauderdale)

Do you think Denny will wreck out Brad K early, wait for a re-start or wait til the end of the race to really ruin Brad's day?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

As much fun as it would be to see, I really don't expect anything. Maybe he'll nudge him and toy with him, but outright wreck him I'm betting against.

dz (phx, az)

hey david. why do you think irl and f1 drivers come to nascar?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Because it's where the best racing and best interest in racing is.

Frank (Pa)

Have the drivers become as resentful as their fans of the 48 teams success and dominance?

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Heck no. They're just frustrated they can't keep up.

Scott (Manchester, NH)

Was it me or did Pemberton not answer a thing in the latest interview QandA he had on Nascar.com? He sidestepped the start and park question totally but earlier in the season he said they would be keeping a close eye on that practice. Yet everything is fine? No wonder fans are going to the races dressed up as empty seats.

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Sorry, didn't read it. I understand side-stepping the start-and-park. It's nothing new. Just a few more this year because of the economy. These things run in cycles. Can't really comment on the rest since I didn't see it.

kevin (new jersey)

can you tell the guys in the booth to focus on the race and not the chase this week unless jimmie johnson falls behind 25th

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

I'll post your question and we'll see if they get your message.

Sklar (Tampa)

We saw the youtube video of Tony Stewart calling Dale Jr a no-talent sob at phoenix. I thought they were supposed to be friends? Who calls their friends a no-talent sob?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Apparently Stewart does. Go figure.

Marion (SC)

David,Kahne seems very concerned about the RPM/Yates deal is it safe to say 2010 will be be his last at RPM and where would he go I know Haas is an option what if Harvick is signed there?

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

I'm betting Kahne and Harvick wind up at Stewart-Haas in 2011. Then Hendrick will have eight cars in the field.

Isaac (Indy)

Do you think since NOBODY can seem to beat J.J. it hurts the sport ala people get bored with the same result time after time

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Did people get bored watching Michael Jordan and the Bulls win NBA titles? Did people get bored watching the New England Patriots win three out of four Super Bowls? Did people get tired of the New York Yankees when they were on a World Series roll? Hey, as I've said all season, enjoy the history.

Sklar (Tampa)

Will Kyle Busch and Scotty Speed be racing Toyotas Daytona Protype cars in the Rolex 24?

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

Haven't seen anything official.

T-berry (J-town)

Dave, can't stay for the rest of the chat but have a good Thanksgiving. We're headed down south for Thanksgiving with my daughter at Clemson.

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Thanks. You going to catch the Clemson-South Carolina game? It's a great rivlary that doesn't get the exposure of others nationally.

Ray Fordice (Indiana)

Do look for another great job by the Stewart-Haas team next year?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

I do. Maybe even better. Remember Newman had a horrible start.

greg (sacramento)

I know Mr. H has indicated the 88 cc will stay for 2010 but with all the mechanical / pit road issues wouldn't you suspect a major shake up with the remainder of the crew?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Said that earlier. I expect a lot of changes.

Adam (NC)

Dave Any rumors on what Kahne will do after 2010.

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Just the usual Stewart-Haas one.

JTF (Bayonne, NJ)

Following on what Devin said about Junior, with all the issues he's had this year, and the slew of blown engines he had in his last year at DEI, is there just something different with the way he drives that punishes the car too much?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

Something's obviously different. Whether it's the driver or the crew I can't say. They've been working hard to correct it but so far no luck. As I said earlier this year, this will be Hendrick's greatest challenge.

Lois (SC)

Are the things reported in the National Enquirer about Dale jr the reason his racing has gone to hell?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

I need to get a copy. Haven't read it yet. Enlighten me.

Dan (la)

Will Kahne have Bud in 2011 or wil he have another sponsor?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

My best guess is he'll have Bud. It's been a good marriage and the performance hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.

Todd (Ga)

Was smoke just caught up in the moment when he called Jr a no talent SOB? I always thougt he and jr were pretty good friends.

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

You and everyone else. I'm guessing it was the moment. I will be sure to ask on Friday.

kevin (new jersey)

dave why did espn keep saying the magic nuimber for kyle busch is 195 in the nationwide race. i mean all he has to do is start but marty reid kept making it sound like this was the tightest championship battle ever

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

Well, it is the magic number even if it is over.

Joseph (NJ)

What you missed about Johnson in your story and something he can't disguise is his arrogance, insincerity and phoniness. Your thoughts?

David Newton

  (2:28 PM)

I disagree, disagree and disagree.

greg (sacramento)

Addington to the 12 and Malec to the 2 ? Malec seems to be the hot name to move up any chance ? And yes I know Mr. H takes good care of his people but Malec may not be hot if the 48 runs into a rash of bad luck next year.

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

I like the way you think, but I have a hard time believing Malec will leave HMS.

Bart (Tenn)

We see David Stremme is entered Sunday. Do you think David will be looking to wreck out Brad just like Denny?

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

David needs to focus on good finishes. He needs a ride for 2010.

JOe (FL)

David, how do you think Mcmurray will do in the #1 next year and who will be the sponsor?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

That was weird. Power surge in hotel blanked my screen out for about 20 seconds. back to Jamie Mac, he'll be a bubble guy for the Chase once again. Bass Pro Shops is on for 20 races. Not sure about the rest yet.

Andy (Houston)

I know what Nascar was trying to do by adopting The Chase, but there are some fans who still enjoy the racing for the racing and aren't caught up in who wins The Chase.

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

I was talking about that with Keselowski at the airport. I agree that the Chase has to a degree hurt the interest in individual races. I'm not sure what the solution is. Any thoughts?

juan pablo montoya (Lincoln ne)

Have I done enough yet to prove people I am here to stay?, I am not walking, away I am here for the long haul and oh yes I will win 3 or 4 races next year.ok with you dave

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Go for it. Wanna go windsurfing this afternoon?

kevin (new jersey)

hows the fantasy football team doing?

David Newton

  (2:34 PM)

I officially am banning you from chat. Geez. Worst season of my life. 2-8. Had more injuries, particilarly to my top six picks, than one owner deserves. Still within 85 points of making the playoffs with a couple of great weeks, but am afraid I'll be home for the playoffs.

Bob (ny)

Will 2010 mark the end of Sadlers career I expect more of the same from him in 2010.

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

I wouldnt' say that. He's still a very marketable guy.

Bart (Tenn)

We're disappointed that Kyle hasn't won a chase race. Do you expect Homestead to be Kyle's race?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

You'll be disappointed once again. Sorry,

Jolt (KC)

So, where can I get ahold of some Air Carls? Since he gets air, hah, get it? BAHHHH!!!

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

He needs to get a championship trophy first.

JOe (FL)

David, how do you think RPM and especially Sadler will do next year in Fords? From early returns with both Sadler and Dinger, it looks promising.

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

As we've seen with others, just because you put a driver in good equipment there are no guarantees he'll do well.

brett (charlotte)

With word that no new changes are coming the the car next year, Do you think that they are waiting to see how the new nationwide car races and then bring aspects of that car to the cup car in 2011? As much as I want to see the car change, It seems smart to test this stuff in the Nationwide series first. Seems they should have done that in the first place.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

I'm told the Nationwide car really isn't much better handling than the Cup car. That from a Cup driver with experience in both. There will be some changes in 2011, but nothing major.

Norm (Palm Springs CA)

I post this on your article, My favorite commercial is JJ taking out the speed bump at ESPN with the trusty 48 by his side.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

That was a good one. Unfortunately, we don't see him in more.

Greg (VA)

How many wins do you think Denny Hamlin will have next year?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

3 1/2.

Dave (Phoenix)

The best racing? Hardly.

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

We can politely agree to disagree.

Saul (Sacramento)

MALEC: Do you think RH will move Malec from the 48 team to join the Lance M and Dale Jr 88 Team....

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Would you want to make that move? Unless he moves somewhere else as a crew chief, Malec is staying put.

Henry (Virginia)

Since we now know that Brad burned his bridges at Henrick was Mr H just blowing smoke to save face when he talked about bringing him back to Henrick in 4 years?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

I really don't think his bridges are burned, but I wouldn't make a lot out of what Mr. H. said as well.

Henry (San Antonio)

Ok. To use the a term created by The great Bill Simmons: I really "sports hate" Jimmie Johnson. That guy is a machine. Do you see that Hendrick team declining any time soon?

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Not unless Chad Knaus decides to move on.

Evan Johnson (Salt LAke City )

Hey Newt, If you were Brad K. wouldn't you just finish off Hamlin early and get on with your day at Homestead, I mean everyone is saying when will Denny wreck Brad, but if I was Brad i'd take it out of Hamlins' hands.

David Newton

  (2:42 PM)

Interesting logic there. I like it.

Jenn (Vermont)

Do you think Logano will have a shot at getting into the Chase next year? Also, what will be the effect of Kasey Kahne in a Ford next year good or bad?

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

I do. Had he not had such a rough first 10 to 15 races he would have been a contender this season. Don't forget he's got great equipment and one of the best crew chiefs. And that he is still a teenager. He has done remarkably well.

Jimmy (Alabama)

Brad k will win Homestead in the 12 car .....WWE...racing and what rule is NASCAR gonna come up with to stop 48?? My guess is it will have something to do with the safety foam in the right side of the car. (knowing 48 is using a 2nd fuel cell cheat)

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

Laughing out loud on the second fuel cell. Have you seen how many times the 48 has lost on fuel mileage. Jimmie might have 10 wins this season if he had a second cell.

Frank (SC)

With the National Enquirer stuff and Tony Stewart slamming Dale jr at Phoenix what makes you think Dale has the talent to run with our best in Nascar?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

I really need to get the Enquirer. First task after this chat. Does it involve hottubs and South Florida like the last Enquirer story on Jr.

Rick (Philadelphia)

David - I know the 48 teams contracts are up after 2010. Have you heard anything about an extension and do you think Lowes will sign on as the primary sponsor for the entire season?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

Lowes from all I'm told is in it for the long haul with Jimmie.

JTF (Bayonne, NJ)

Montoya had a good season and a great start to the Chase where he put up results on par with Martin and Johnson. He's cooled off a bit, but how do you see JPM doing next year?

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

If he improves just a little next year he'll be a contender.

Parker (LA)

Do you think that Childress will park Harvick 1/2 way through the 2010 chase like Penske did to Stremme?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

That's way too far down the road to consider. What if Harvick is leading the Chase? OK, I'm dreaming. But what if?

Parker (LA)

Is #48 ready to be knocked off the top rung by Kyle Busch?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Is Busch ready to knock him off?

Rich (Buffalo)

If Nascar insists on having the Chase, then change the stinkin' points system for the Chase drivers.

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

I can't argue that point.

CP (Hamilton, NJ)

Hi David, saw you twitted about on the plane with Brad K., was going to ask how was going, I am glad that you've a good experience with Brad, I like Brad K. and will support him.

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

I believe he'll be good for the sport. Told him not to change one bit.

Travis (VT)

Kahne at Stewart-Haas sounds like a dream come true for me

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

Sleep well.

Stu (Bakersfield)

How come Tony Stewart hasn't done anything since his Glen win in August? Did Henricks pull the plug on tech support?

David Newton

  (2:49 PM)

He hasn't run horribly. There has been some misfortune, but the biggest difference is Johnson has stepped up his game. It's hard to maintain what Stewart had done all season. And no, the tech support wasn't pulled.

Evan Johnson (Salt Lake City )

Okay here we go, in or out of the chase next year? Harvick, Dale Jr, Montoya, Truex, Reutiman, Vickers, Kenseth

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

Out, In, Out, In, Out, Out, In.

David (NH)

Trying an new track next year besides NHMS, where would you go Pocono, Watkins-Glen, or Dover?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Eww. Can't I have more choices? I'll go with Watkins-Glen. It's pretty countryside and there are some good restaurants in the area.

Jimmy (Alabama)

People are getting tired of hearing how competitive the sport is by TV announcers with no talent left in them to do anything else. Micheal Jordan was fun to watch......New England cheated to win those 3 Super Bowls btw.......I havent watched a baseball game since they juiced the ball and Sammy Sosa hit 70 HR's So i guess the real question is what are we gonna watch til college football season opens back up??

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

Man, your year really is going to go sour when Bama loses to Florida in the SEC Championship. Unfortuntely, my wife will be in a bad mood for a week as well. She bleeds Bear Byrant.

Donald (DC)

Do you expect Mr H to put a new driver in the #88 next year to help that teams performance?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Yeah. I heard he's bringing back Tim Richmond. Get real.

Frank (Pa)

David - With Football, baseball and basketball at least have the teams win every week. In racing only one team wins every week. I never begrudged the Bulls winning because my sixers do not lose to them every time they played. Could this be the real issue with the 48?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

The issue here as I see it is that the Chase has stolen the spotlight from the individual races.

Aubry (PA)

How can we vote for Kyle Busch to be 2009 NASCAR Most Popular Driver?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Send them to NASCAR. Sure you can google an address.

John (Illinois)

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

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Man, that really is putting me on the spot. It'll be close. I'll go with Junior.

Susan (Baltimore)

If Kyle doesn't win Sunday will Coach Gibbs make Zippy Kyle's new crew chief for 2010?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Kyle already has a new crew chief in Dave Rogers.

Devin (Johnson City TN)

The Natl Enq quoted a "close friend" saying that Dale has been drinking heavily and screaming at his crew and after one race he was seen sobbing in his hauler. Just FYI, TJ Majors said it was the funniest piece of journalism he has ever seen, especially since he lives 100 yds from Dale.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Thanks for the update. Will be sure to check it out.

Bill S. (High Point, NC)

Come on David, it's not Tim Richmond, its gonna be Harry Gant, under the banner of "Let the old guys run".

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Too funny.

Chris (Oregon)

Do you think Jimmie will go for the win this weekend or just hang out in a safe place?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

Oh, he'll go for the win.

ERICKA (SUNNY CALIFORNIA)

IM LOVING THIS DENNY/BRAD THING WE GOT GOING. IT'S ABOUT TIME WE SEE A LITTLE EMOTION IN A DRIVER. HAVENT SEEN IT SINCE DALE SR. WAS AROUND. IT'S GOOD FOR THE SPORT. BALLS TO THE WALLS, I SAY......

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

I told Brad at the airport that the fans love this sort of thing. I say you are right.

Henning (Germany)

Montoya out? Elaborate please? I see him as a lock.

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Well, Juan has been incredibly consistent this season and little has gone wrong outside of speeding on pit road at Indy and getting crashed by Martin in the Chase. It's hard to go through consecutive seasons that way _ unless you're the 48. He's going to have to start winning to take it to the next level. The competition is tough.

Adam (NJ)

any word on where mears may wind up? is RCR still an option?

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

The No. 07 is a few days from being parked for 2010 outside of the Daytona 500. Mears is a candidate for the 09.

Jim (PA)

If Tim Richmond and Davey Allison were still around, Sr. Gordon or Johnson wouldn't have the championships they have.

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

You might be right on the firs two, but Tim and Davey would be up there in age to steal the thunder from Johnson.

Tommy (San Diego)

Will Mark Martin ever win a championship?

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

I'm afraid this might have been his last great chance. If it is, it's a shame, but his career is nothing to be ashamed of.

Jennifer (SC)

Who is your best bet to win the championship next season in cup?

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

Can you say back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back? To pick anybody else would be insane. On that note, time get out in the South Florida sunshine. Thanks for all the questions and enjoy Sunday's moment in history. I will.