Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

My column on the feel-good media tour last week, the best one in years, and some of the best moments: http://tinyurl.com/7ew9g6o

Terry Blount

  (2:00 PM)

What's on your mind today chatters?

Quentin (Iowa)

Always enjoy reading your articles Terry. With the hype of Kasey Kahne coming over to Hendrick Motorsports and possibly the best line-up Rick has had coming into a season hopefully the pressure to succeed has a positive effect on everyone...and I'm mainly talking about Junior since I am a die hard Junior fan. I hope he can get a win early in the season rather than later...your thoughts on Dale Jr.'s 2012 season?

Terry Blount

  (2:02 PM)

Thanks Quentin. Junior had a strong season in 2011 with one exception, he didn't win a race. I predict he will this year, but I've been saying that for three years now.

Vinnie (ATL)

I read that Johnson and especially Gordon weren't too happy with how strong the customer #14 car was in the chase and was wondering if HMS will put a stop to the advantage SHR had?

Terry Blount

  (2:03 PM)

No, not likely. I admit I had doubts that and SHR car could beat a Hendrick car with the title on the line. But last year no Hendrick driver was in contention in the last three or four races, so I'm not sure that theory actually was put to the test.

Jordan (Lubbock, Texas)

Howdy Terry. Pretty good weekend for NASCAR guys at Daytona. For AJ Allmendinger, does being part of the Rolex 24 winning team give him a little momentum going into Speedweeks?

Terry Blount

  (2:05 PM)

Absolutely. Winning always helps, even in a different discipline. AJ raced his tail off yesterday and made a great pass on Scott Pruett during a late restart to take the lead and stay in front. It's a great lead-in for the 500, and Penske has qualify cars for the plate races.

Blake (Belmont)

Do you think the way AJ was banging doors with his Ford teammate McNish is a sign of how he will be racing his Penske teammate in NASCAR?

Terry Blount

  (2:06 PM)

No. I think he was just racing hard to get to the front and I applaud him for it, even though McNish threw a little temper tantrum about it. That's the breaks. It was go time.

8Tbone8 (TX)

I agree with you that cup regulars should stay out of NW and was wondering if you were disappointed that Stewart will be in the Daytona NW race?

Terry Blount

  (2:08 PM)

Not so much on that one. Tony only runs a few NW races and he has quite a winning record to uphold at Daytona in the NW events. My problem is Cup guys who run most of the race, or in KBM's case, splitting the entire NW with the Cup brothers.

Andrew (The real one) (Kentucky)

Terry, recent changes at the Cup level have brought about many arguments on the conversation pages. What would you say to someone who says things like: the 2013 car is the exact same as the current car, the 2-car draft is the most superior form of racing, all tracks should be restrictor plate tracks, NASCAR drivers don't use brakes in the corners, and lead changes are the most important aspect of racing??

Terry Blount

  (2:11 PM)

That's a lot of questions Andfrew, but here goes. The look of the 2013 cars will be much different and much more like the productions cars, but it's still a COT chassis. Most fans don't like the 2-car tandems. No way all tracks will ever nbe plate stracks. NASCAR drivers using brakes depends on the size of the track. And most people want to see lots of lead changes. Whew. I'm tired now.

Phoenix (AZ)

Terry, as a FORD fan I was thrilled with the 1-2-3 sweep at the Rolex and was wondering if they were running Roush-Yates motors?

Terry Blount

  (2:11 PM)

Yes they were.

Renee (MI)

Who do you think will be the breakout Cup driver in 2012?

Terry Blount

  (2:12 PM)

Not sure what you mean by breakout. But I expect JJ to be back challenging for the title again, and I think Brad K is going to keep getting better. I also expect Kasey to make the Chase and win a couple of races.

Shawn (Gastonia, NC USA)

Over/under on cars with politicians on them in 2012?

Terry Blount

  (2:13 PM)

Just two of three and only at select races.

Keith H (Seattle)

Terry, how long did it take you to dig out from the snow and ice storm? I don't want to see any more from this winter.

Terry Blount

  (2:14 PM)

I felt like I was on the North Pole. I barely was able to get out to fly to Charlotte for the media tour.

18fan2hater (Md.)

Do you think the momentum Darien gained during the chase will carry over to 2012 with Rowdy, Denny and Joey?

Terry Blount

  (2:15 PM)

No, but I think Darian will be a major asset for Denny and get him back contending for the title.

Shawn (Gastonia, NC USA)

Now that Cale Yarborough and DW are in the Hall, who do you like for the next Hall of Fame class?

Terry Blount

  (2:15 PM)

I defintely think Rusty should get in this time.

Jeremy (Port Angeles, WA)

With Danica announcing her 9th race for the Sprint Cup Series part time schedule. What do you think will be Danica 10th Sprint cup race to her schedule?

Terry Blount

  (2:16 PM)

I'd be shocked if it isn't the Brickyard 400.

Phil (upstate ny) [via mobile]

Could you see Kurt winning at least 8 races? Cup and Natiowide combined?

Terry Blount

  (2:17 PM)

I could see him winning 8 NW races alone. As for Cup, not so much, but he should be competitive in the plate races.

Shawn (Gastonia, NC USA)

Dale Jr. Danica Tim Tebow. There. Now that we have that out of the way, of the team changes, particularly Childress and Roush downsizing, Hendrick getting Kahne, Penske getting AJ, which one do you think will have the biggest immediate impact?

Terry Blount

  (2:18 PM)

I think Kahne will shine. I also think we will see a major improvement at Michael Waltrip Racing. And I think Ganassi's boys will make a big jump forward this year.

Hector (Miami)

It was cool seeing the Earnhardt Ganassi cars using BMW engines in the Rolex and was wondering if they might be coming to NASCAR?

Terry Blount

  (2:18 PM)

Not anytime soon.

Stump (MO)

Will Danica be eligible for ROY in 2013? Or will the 10 races this year eliminate her?

Terry Blount

  (2:19 PM)

No ROY for DP in 2013.

Vernie (NJ)

Do you think the Burton-Harvick feud will continue this year especially with so much pressure on Burton to perform?

Terry Blount

  (2:20 PM)

There is no feud. They get along fine, but Burton did have the funniest line of the media tour. When Harvick announced that DeLana was pregnant, Burton deadpanned, "Who's the father?"

Bruce (Minnesota )

Will Hendrick be the first team since Roush to put 4 cars in the Chase?

Terry Blount

  (2:22 PM)

Very good possibility of that happening, and Rick said last week he'll be disappointed if it doesn't happen. Lots of confdsence right now with the Hendrick boys.

Mayra (Chicago)

Who are the rookie candidates for this year's ROY?

Terry Blount

  (2:24 PM)

None really except maybe Josh Wise. This is a result of too many Cyup guys in NW.

Scott (Kansas City)

IN your opinion, what does Logano have to do to secure his ride at Gibbs past this season...chase birth or a couple of wins?

Terry Blount

  (2:25 PM)

Either of those might be enough. But it's still not certain.

Lonnie (SC)

Hi Terry and thanks for the chats! Rowdy seemed to admit that maybe all the truck and NW racing hurt his chase efforts so by cutting back do you see Rowdy making a serious run for the championship?

Terry Blount

  (2:26 PM)

Maybe, but he's still running too many NW races, splitting the season with his brother. And Joe Gibbs isn't very happy about it.

Mayra (Chicago)

Will NASCAR ever make it a rule that will confine Cup drivers to a certain amount of races in NW? I think they should only do ten. I remember when NW had it's superstars that weren't cup drivers.

Terry Blount

  (2:27 PM)

NASCAR says no because the drivers are independent contractors. I say baloney. Place limits on it, or say that full-time Cup drivers do not earn purse money in NW.

Ted (Conway, MA)

Who will win 1st for Penske, AJ or Brad?

Terry Blount

  (2:28 PM)

I'm gonna go with Brad on that one. AJ will run well, but it's a big transition.

Jordan (Lubbock, Texas)

I liked RCR's move to put Elliott Sadler in the 33 for the 500. The guy is a pretty good plate racer to begin with, and of nothing else, it gives RCR a nice even number of cars for that late race tandem dash to the checkers.

Terry Blount

  (2:28 PM)

I agree. Elliott can win there.

Mike (phila) [via mobile]

How many years do you think gordon has left to be a serious contender?

Terry Blount

  (2:29 PM)

Three of four probably, as far as a realistic chance at earning that fifth title.

Kate (Florida)

So, how do you feel about Cup drivers in Nationwide?

Terry Blount

  (2:30 PM)

I think you know the answer to that Kate. The entire universe knows my feelings on that now.

Bart (East Bay)

Do you think Kurt will be tandem drafting at Daytona with Newman since they won the 500 together for Penske or with Regan Smith?

Terry Blount

  (2:31 PM)

Way too early to predict who will pair up with whom. He chances of working with Newman probably depends on whether Tony is pairing with Danica.

Miles (Green Hill)

Power rank these potential first words for Kevin and Delana Harvick's kid: Mommy, Daddy, Kyle Stinks.

Terry Blount

  (2:33 PM)

Not sure, but I think they should get him or her a little firesuit that reads: "I wear the firesuit in this family."

Rob (Colorado Springs)

Will there be any reporters at this weeks test of all the 2013 cars in Homestead? Have you even seen renderings of the other models?

Terry Blount

  (2:34 PM)

I've only seen the Ford and it's spectacular. I hear the others will be sharp as well in going with the theme of looking like the production cars. But Ford got a huge jump on the others by rolling their car out during the media tour.

aroznowski (USA)

Who is the biggest darkhorse in the NNS championship race this season?

Terry Blount

  (2:35 PM)

Maybe Sam Hornish. I think he's going to surprise some people.

Joanne (Ft. Myers)

Rowdy tweeted that Harvicks problems started back in '05 and he can't let it go. What was Rowdy referring to?

Terry Blount

  (2:37 PM)

Who knows? I barely can remember what I had for breakfast much less some Busch/Harvick argument seven years ago. And if he's still worrying about something from 05, he has a big problem.

Mayra (Chicago)

What name should we on the lookout this year in NW? Who will betop contenders other than Stenhouse or Sadler?

Terry Blount

  (2:38 PM)

As I said, maybe Hornish. Allgaier will be good. and I expect big things frtom Austin Dillon. And I also think Danica will run well in quite a few events, but she won't contend for the title. Cole Whitt will be good as her teammate at JR Motorsports.

aroznowski (USA)

Which NSCS teams will rebound from a disappointing 2011 season?

Terry Blount

  (2:40 PM)

Earnhardt Ganassi for sure. Up is the only place to go after last season. MWR will step up and Gibbs will have Denny back in contention.

Gene (Ohio)

Do you agree with Burton that winning the Sprint Cup should mean automatic induction to the HOF?

Terry Blount

  (2:41 PM)

No, just like I don't believe not winning a Cup title should eliminate someone _ Mark Martin for example.

aroznowski (USA)

When do you expect to see Travis Pastrana on the track in the NNS?

Terry Blount

  (2:42 PM)

Depends of if he can keep from breaking bones doing motorcycles stunts. He's an unusual guy. He ate a raw egg on stage during the tour, shell and all.

aroznowski (USA)

When are you going to make your 2012 Chase predictions?

Terry Blount

  (2:44 PM)

We will roll all those out as a team during the week of the Daytona 500. Here's a hint: I predict Joe Nemechek will not make the Chase.

alex (fla)

if the track does get built in minn at the arden hills site does it get a sprint cup race? or just a nws race?

Terry Blount

  (2:45 PM)

No track is getting a Cup date unless it's built by ISC, NASCAR's facilty-management arm. Even then, the sked is full and some track would have to lose a date, and some should.

aroznowski (USA)

What is your take on Paul Tracy announcing that this will be his last season?

Terry Blount

  (2:46 PM)

He's 43. Father Time is calling. I hope he runs well in his farewell.

aroznowski (USA)

Which new tracks would you like to see hosting NASCAR races in the future?

Terry Blount

  (2:47 PM)

I would like to see new tracks built in New York City, Denver and Seattle. But that isn't happening any time soon.

aroznowski (USA)

Will someone other than Dario and Power compete for the IndyCar Series title this season?

Terry Blount

  (2:48 PM)

Scott Dixon for sure. Maybe Helio has one more great season left in him.

Mike (phila) [via mobile]

Do you see gordon ever getting his 5th title?

Terry Blount

  (2:49 PM)

I hope so because I think it wiould be good for the sport. But my guess is no.

aroznowski (USA)

Which Dillon brother will do better this season? Austin in his first year in the NNS or Ty in his first year in the NCWTS.

Terry Blount

  (2:51 PM)

Great question! Both of these young men are talented racers. Most people I talk too think Ty will eventually be the better of the two. I think Austin will do well this year, but he has tougher competition. Ty might get a win or two as a rookie.

DepotSmoke14 (Key West)

History plus a new crew chief and Danica shows that Tony could be in for a tough year. Do you expect a major let down for the #14 this year?

Terry Blount

  (2:51 PM)

Not a major let down, but I don't expect him to win the title.

Bart (East Bay)

Which Busch Brother do you think will win the most NW races?

Terry Blount

  (2:52 PM)

Probably Kyle. Both of them will win way too many.

John (Illinois)

I would love to see a NASCAR put on a 24 hours of Bristol race.

Terry Blount

  (2:52 PM)

John, there would be any cars left after 12 hours.

andrew moore (austin tx)

do the drivers get dizzy from making left turns?

Terry Blount

  (2:53 PM)

Not at most tracks, but I've heard drivers say Bristol can be a little dizzying at times. It's like flying a jet in a gymnasium.

Bruce (Minnesota )

Should all races be less than 500 miles?? I mean how can anyone say 500 miles at Martinsville is a bad thing.

Terry Blount

  (2:55 PM)

It's not 500 miles. It's 500 laps, and I do believe it's a bad thing. 400 would be plenty. I don't think any races should be 500 laps or 500 miles expect the Daytona 500 and the Coke 600.

Matthew (Columbia, NJ)

Terry: Do you think Dale Jarrett should be in the HOF someday?

Terry Blount

  (2:56 PM)

Yes I do, not only for his driving, but also for his skills as a broadcaster the the classy way he has conducted his life. Very much like his father. Two of the best gentlemen you could ever meet.

aroznowski (USA)

What was your takeaway from the Rolex 24 at Daytona?

Terry Blount

  (2:58 PM)

I was happy for AJ and the Michael Shank team, which had gone through so much bad luck at Daytona. And it was great to see a 24 hour race be decided in the last couple of hours.

BRYANT (long)

pole for the d500

Terry Blount

  (2:58 PM)

I'll go with Kasey Kahne.

aroznowski (USA)

What is your Super Bowl prediction?

Terry Blount

  (2:59 PM)

I'll go with New England by 3. And Danica will have the best commercials.

Phoenix (AZ)

If #88 doesn't win a race by Memorial Day do you think Jr. will get a new crew chief and who?

Terry Blount

  (3:00 PM)

No I don't. Steve isn't going anywhere.

Rachel (Nebraska)

Answer my question i wanna know what they wear under their firesuits!!!!!!!!!!

Terry Blount

  (3:02 PM)

Rachel, believe it of not, I've never looked under their firesuits. I assume their wear underwear. I don't think they go commando.And on that note, will close out this edition of the BRSiR. A good one today gang. Have a great week. Peace.