Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

Happy New Year everybody. Here's the link from my column today on my motorsports desires for 2012: http://tinyurl.com/7vzcghj

Vinnie (ATL)

Will cup drivers like Harvick, Stewart, Jr, Kahne, Bowyer, Kensith, Burton, Edwards, Kezalowski etc. be cherry picking NW races like Daytona again this year?

Terry Blount

  (2:01 PM)

Of course they will. One of my desires I listed today in my column was to see Nationwide regulars win most of the Nationwide races. Won't happen, but I wish it would.

SmokeDepot14 (Key West)

Do you see getting Darien Grubb as a boost for the entire JGR organization by sharing his HMS engineering knowledge?

Terry Blount

  (2:02 PM)

I think it's a boost for Hamlin, but honestly, that sharing info stuff from other teams is overrated. And it often doesn't apply to different engines programs.

Todd (Ga.)

Kurt said he wanted to get in HMS equipment so with his 1 year deal at Phoenix do you see Kurt moving to the #24 when Gordon retires?

Terry Blount

  (2:03 PM)

No. Gordon isn't retiring next year and Kurt will go to a major team elsewhere in 2012. I don't see Rick Hendrick hiring another Busch bro.

Phoenix (AZ)

Junior's last 2 wins were Mich. June '08 and Richmond May '06 so he has 1 win in the last 6 years. Do you realize that writers lose credibility predicting wins and championships for him?

Terry Blount

  (2:04 PM)

I didn't predict it. I said I would like to see it because it would be good for NASCAR. But I do think he will win a race in 2012. The man finished 7th in the standings. Give him a break.

Vinnie (ATL)

How come people talk about Kurt's behavior at Penske when Power flipped the double-bird live on tv at Loudon, insulted Dario at Tornoto, Helio shoved a race official and Tim Cindric at Edmonton and Briscoe whined at Barber?

Terry Blount

  (2:06 PM)

One reason is NASCAR has a much highre profile than IndyCar and many more people see it. And most of the guys you bring up haven't made a career out of bad behavior, only isolated incidents. You can't find a better huy than Helio. To compare him to Kurt is ridiculous.

Ryan (Ventura, Ca.)

Were you surprised that Penske took a chance on AJ with his DUI conviction, shoving The King and only 4 Top 5's in 5 years in cup?

Terry Blount

  (2:08 PM)

No I wasn't. AJ is a good guy who has improved as a driver every season. I think he'll do a great job at Penske, finally getting quality equipment.

Tyler (Greenfield,NY)

If Jr. winning a race is good for NASCAR like you say in today's story, why doesn't NASCAR just make a Jr. rule that helps him win? Those Jr. fans wouldn't care if it was fair or not.

Terry Blount

  (2:09 PM)

There are a few oldtimers Tyler who would tell you that kind of thing happened regularly back in the day. But NASCAR is too big and too transparent for those shenanigans now.

Todd (Ga.)

Will the reliability from TRD motors put the JGR Toyotas back on equal ground with HMS and Roush?

Terry Blount

  (2:10 PM)

That's the hope, but I don't know if they are quite up to those standards yet.

Chris Fiegler (Latham,NY)

Do you think Danica will give Jr. a run at most popular driver this year?

Terry Blount

  (2:11 PM)

That's a good question, but no, not unless she wins a couple of races and competes for the NW title. She might get close then, but I doubt it.

SmokeDepot14 (Key West)

How much of a distraction do you think Danica will be at SHR and are you hearing that Go Daddy's problems could be an issue?

Terry Blount

  (2:12 PM)

No problem with GoDaddy and I don't think DP will be any distraction for Tony. I think it will help SHR to have a third Cup car running part of the season.

Ryan (Ventura CA)

Happy new year Terry! How about this for a resolution fewer (none) oco questions?Thanks,

Terry Blount

  (2:12 PM)

Not possible Ryan. Oco is legend now.

Vinnie (ATL)

Terry, Rusty, Newman and now Kurt couldn't win the cup at Penske. Do you think that is because Penske gives his Indy car team priority?

Terry Blount

  (2:15 PM)

No, Penske pumps plenty of cash into his Cup teams. That shop is enormous. I think it's hard to get it done when you don't have as many top people as the bigger organizations and you're the only team for Dodge. However, I think they are closer now than they've ever been. I expect Brad K to contend fo the title this year.

Roscoe (Chino, Ca.)

Now that Kurt and Newman are both running HMS satelite cars, do you think they will be drafting together at the plate tracks like they did as teammates at Penske?

Terry Blount

  (2:15 PM)

Not if Newman can find Tony or Danica.

Griffin (The first state )

Terry I see that Jeremy Mayfield is still in a lot of trouble. My question is does or did nascar try and do anything to help him out. If so what and if no why not ? It seems to me this being a tight family that they would want to get one of thier own some help

Terry Blount

  (2:16 PM)

NASCAR would have if Jeremy had admitted his problem at the beginning, done a suspension and gotten treatment. He would have been back racing long ago.

Joanne (Ft. Myers)

After what Trevor Bayne did to Jeff Gordon last fall at Dega, who will trust him to tandem draft at Daytona?

Terry Blount

  (2:17 PM)

All the Ford cars.

Turk (Mich.)

Can 3 cars draft at the plate tracks or does it only work with 2? Why?

Terry Blount

  (2:18 PM)

Three cars together are not as fast as two. It's unstable for the middle car and causes them to run slower.

Andrew (NJ)

Any chance that Kurt works out a deal after the year with Finch for partial ownership and stays in the 51?

Terry Blount

  (2:18 PM)

I would say two chances _ slim and none and slim just left the race shop.

Marc T. (Home of Goodyear Tire, OH)

Any predictions on how the Hendrick drivers will finish in 2012?

Terry Blount

  (2:19 PM)

JJ will be back contending for the title and KK will make the Chase and might contend for the crown. All four cars could make the Chase.

Vernie (NJ)

If Rowdy drafts with Joey who will Denny team up with?

Terry Blount

  (2:20 PM)

These questions ara so hypothetical that it's impossible to answer. We don't even know if the cars still will run in pairs.

Jenny (Elizabethtown LA)

Happy New year....... Will Trevor Bayne have a full time cup ride this saeson??????????

Terry Blount

  (2:21 PM)

No unfortunately. And Happy New Year to you as well Jenny.

Todd (Georgia)

Have you heard any reports of Cole Whitt driving the 88 car for JR motorsports?

Terry Blount

  (2:21 PM)

That's the rumor but nothing official yet.

8Tbone8 (Texas)

Does the addition of Clint and Mark Martin raise the performance of MWR and the entire Toyota organization?

Terry Blount

  (2:22 PM)

Yes, without question. MWR is on a major upswing and Mikey is about to buy the assets of Red Bull, along with the vaulable points of those two cars.

Todd (Georgia)

Where do you see David Ragan at in 2012?

Terry Blount

  (2:23 PM)

I thought he would get the 43, but it appears Almirola will get that ride. Not much left for David now except S&P type teams are full time in NW.

Ron (Smithville)

If the reports that Rowdy won't run any truck races are true, doesn't that hurt the level of competition?

Terry Blount

  (2:25 PM)

Not in my book. The fewer Cup stars in NW and Trucks the better. These are developmental series where the best thing is for the young up-and-comers to win races, which would help them become stars. And in Kyle's case, I think it's long past time for him just to concentate on Cup.

Ryan(real me) (Ventura CA)

Any ideal when we may get a seek peek of the 2013 cup car, Chevy using the Malibu?

Terry Blount

  (2:26 PM)

Good question. I'm not sure, but I imagine we'll see them long before mid season. With a little luck, we might get a peek at them during the media tour in Charlotte later this month.

Todd (Ga.)

Will Kurt Busch be running the full NW season for Kyle Busch Motorsports?

Terry Blount

  (2:27 PM)

I doubt it and I sure hope not.

Clay (Charlotte)

So Hamlin runs on TRD engines and sucks for most of the year. Kyle and Joey run JGR and run pretty well. A) Why would JGR agree to shut down the engine shop and B) How worried are the drivers?

Terry Blount

  (2:28 PM)

JGR isn't shutting down it's entire engine program. They are combining with TRD and sharing all technology. It should help everyone. I don't think you can judge it on the end of last season.

Scott (Charlotte)

Ran across a replay of the Nationwide race in Daytona in July. If Danica would have held back for another lap she could have won that race. Will the Nationwide car still be two car tandems again at Daytona?

Terry Blount

  (2:30 PM)

No one really knows yet Scott. NASCAR is trying to do things to eliminate it, but easier said than done. And I think DP can compete in the plate races, based on what she showed last year.

Blake (Belmont)

Will the HMS cars have orders at Daytona to "crack the rear end" if they win the race?

Terry Blount

  (2:30 PM)

Oh Blake, Now don't start the year all cynical on us.

Ryan (Ventura, Ca.)

Do you agree with Kenny Wallace, that Dale Jr. is the Dallas Cowboys of NASCAR?

Terry Blount

  (2:32 PM)

I don't think the Cowboys are America's team anymore. A recent poll showed it was the Packers. but I get Kenny's point. And yes, Junior is the biggest celebrity and most popular driver in the sport, far and away.

Mike (Aurora)

Bold prediction time Terry. Does Brad K win more than 4 races this year? I think he does

Terry Blount

  (2:33 PM)

I think Brad will have a great year, but four is a lot of wins for anyone. I'd say that's 50/50.

Vader0908 (CA)

Do you think Edwards is still shell shocked like Denny was after 2010?

Terry Blount

  (2:34 PM)

No, not at all. I think Carl is a strong-willed guy who will come out of last year better prepared to get to the top. However, in recent years, the guy who finished in the standings hasn't done well the next year.

Shawn (Gastonia, NC USA)

I hate start and park cars more than you hate Cup stars cherry picking. I'd like to see a rule that if you didn't complete 1/2 of the laps of one race, you must complete 1/2 of the laps of the next race or you have to park for the third race.

Terry Blount

  (2:36 PM)

I'm no fan of S&Pers either Shawn, but as long as NASCAR sticks with 43 cars fields (which are seven too many in my opinion) they won't regulate the S

Jake (Irving,TX)

Do you think NASCAR will run a NW race at Austin or maybe even a cup road race?

Terry Blount

  (2:37 PM)

No, not anytime soon. But they are considering a Grand-Am race there.

Jeremy (Port Angeles, WA)

If Danica wins a nationwide series race this year what tracks do you think she has the best chance to win a race?

Terry Blount

  (2:39 PM)

Danica is at her best when she can mash the gas all the way around the track. Plate races are good for her, but so are high-sped, high-banked ovals. I think her best chance is a plate races at Daytona or Talladega.

Jake (Irving, TX)

With the US Grand Prix, Austin and Homestead scheduled for the same day, who gets hurt more, F1 or NASCAR?

Terry Blount

  (2:42 PM)

F1 as far as U.S. interest. Really dumb of Ecclestone to stage the debut Austin event the same day as the Cup finale. It won't hurt his international base or the hardcore F1 fans here, but the goal is to bring in more U.S. fans and most of those will be watching NASCAR. And most of the motorsports media here, including me, will be in Miami when we would have been in Austin if it were another weekend.

Brian (PA)

I'd like to see Casey Mears get another shot with a good ride again, any chance of that happening?

Terry Blount

  (2:42 PM)

Not this year.

Chris (Crestview,Fl)

You predicted that Junior will win a race in 2012. What race and why?

Terry Blount

  (2:44 PM)

He can win at the plate races and lots of other tracks like Richmond or Texas or Charlotte. Here's the deal. Junior is a 10th-to-15th-place driver a lot of the time. Not bad, not great. But sometims he runs in the top 5 and if you do that enough, you will win somewhere.

Phoenix (AZ)

Do you think Kurt can win a plate track race in the Phoenix Hendrick car like Brad did at Talladega?

Terry Blount

  (2:45 PM)

Sure. Almost anyone can win in the plate races at Daytona and Dega. It's all a matter of who you team up with and being in the right place at the right time.

Eric (DC)

Can Bowyer make the Chase this year? Or is MWR just not that competitive?

Terry Blount

  (2:46 PM)

I think he can and I expect MWR to take a big step forward this year.

Scott (Charlotte)

In a perfect would I agree there should be no guarentee spot. But I remember when I was a kid and Dale Sr wreck in the first few laps at Charlotte, I was stunned to see how many people with #3 hats picked up their coolers and left. If Dale Jr would not qualify the track promoters would go crazy

Terry Blount

  (2:48 PM)

People would get used to it, as they have in the NHRA. But in reality, the odds of that happening are extremely remote unless NASCAR reduced the fields. I'd be OK giving guys 1 or 2 provisionals a year, but that's it.

Scott (Indy)

I'm worried that IndyCar is using the ChampCar/CART blueprint for bankruptcy. Tell me I'm wrong here.

Terry Blount

  (2:48 PM)

Sadly Scott, I fear you are right.

Dave (Oh)

Do you feel that Jeff Gordon has one more championship run left in him?

Terry Blount

  (2:50 PM)

As long as he gets in the Chase, he can win another title. Tony proved that in 2011. You can get hot at the end and surprise people. So yes, I think he can. But the Chase format hasn't been good to him over the years.

Brian (Tazewell, TN)

Hey terry, hope you had great Christmas.. Happy New Year.... What do you think Kasey will do now sense he at HMS....Do you think he roll out fast or will it take half the year like it was at Redbull Racing?

Terry Blount

  (2:51 PM)

Typically, any transition takes a little time to produce strong results, However, since Kasey and Kenny are going together, along with a few other guys from his Red Bull team, this could happen quickly. I expect a lot from Kasey this year.

Ryan(real me) (Ventura CA)

What realistically can we expect from Ruti this year ?

Terry Blount

  (2:52 PM)

Very little. They just don't have the people and the funding to get it done on Tommy's team.

Eric (DC)

Did RFR ever get all of its sponsorhsip problems worked out? On a related note, how hard up for sponsorship dollars must the sport be if guys like Richard Childress and Jack Roush have problems selling out their cars?

Terry Blount

  (2:55 PM)

It's been rough in this ecomnomy, but I think the worst days are behind NASCAR and its teams now. RFR still doesn't have full funding on Kenseth's car. What needs to happen is teams learn to compete with less money, but it's hard to do when you are used to racing on a giant budget. If you do it but your competitor doesn't, you get beat.

Tracy (CT)

Do you expect a huge female backlash against Kahne at driver intros for his negative tweets?

Terry Blount

  (2:56 PM)

They'll be a little of that, but he did apologize and I think it will blow over. Twitter is a dangerous thing.

Ryan(real me) (Ventura CA)

If the Busch Brothers stay quiet and out of the spot light who becomes the bad guys? Harvick or maybe Kahne?

Terry Blount

  (2:58 PM)

Definitely not Kahne. He made a mistake on Twitter with the breast-feeding comment, but he's not a disruptive guy. I think both Busch brothers being quiet all season is a long shot.

Ryan (Dallas)

Do you think Kurt will win a race that is not a plate track this year. Need to find where I can buy some of his merchandise!!

Terry Blount

  (2:59 PM)

I don't think he will, but if he does, his stock will go through the roof.

Ryan (Ventura, Ca.)

How much trouble is Kahne in with sponsors and Mr. H for his anti-breast feeding tweets?

Terry Blount

  (2:59 PM)

None. It's over.

Terry Blount

  (3:01 PM)

I'm out guys. A great chat today to start the year. Time for me to take down the Christmas lights. Have a great week. Peace.