David Newton

  (2:00 PM)

Back on a Wednesday for the first time in a while. Is everyone ready for some no holds barred racing this weekend. Love having no points on the line. While we're chatting, if you haven't read my defense of Kurt Busch here's the linke. http://es.pn/JJEkzn. Fire at will.

Vernie (NJ)

If Kurt hates his job so much why doesn't he quit?

David Newton

  (2:01 PM)

Just the opposite. He loves his job so much he can't stand failure. A lot of businessmen are just as volatile behind the boardroom doors.

Jake (TX)

How can a CC take the abuse Kurt dishes out? That jobs not worth it!

David Newton

  (2:02 PM)

Most come to accept that a driver loses his cool from time to time. Kurt doesn't always lose his. At Darlington when he had a bad pitstop he actually talked calmly and constructively to his crew.

Jenny (Jersey Shore)

Rumors around the garage are Logano has been told to look for a new ride. Where does he go?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

First, I don't believe that's true. Secondly, if he did lose his ride it would be tough to find one with a top team right now. But if I were RPM I'd sign him in a heartbeat.

Marion (SC)

David, know i sound like a broken record lol..anything new on Dodge and do u think they will be around next season ?

David Newton

  (2:04 PM)

I do think they'll be around, but nothing new.

Nick Rolando (Orlando)

David, with the 17 announcement that Fifth/Third bank is coming on, you see the trio of Best Buy, Zest and Fifth/Third sponsoring him next year? Any update on the 6 as well if RFR and RPM are close to an extenison?Also, first-timer at Darlington last weekend, HIGHLY recommend it to everyone. Awesome experience.

David Newton

  (2:05 PM)

They'll take whatever they can wth the 17. Can't imagine, particularly the way Kenseth is running, a quality company wouldn't jump on board. As for the 6, they are planning to run it next year with Stenhouse if sponsorship is found. Glad you enjoyed my birthplace. Love that track.

Jason (Florida )

Is the reason for the new rule changes to the side skirt, is to make the cars harder to drive and for more passing?

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

Sounds like it.

Bernie (NJ)

Is Logano that bad that he does not know that you can't bump draft at Darlington?!?! Way to ruin a guys night that is racing for a title.

David Newton

  (2:06 PM)

That's another down side of Cup drivers in NW. They have nothing to lose, and those that do end up losing.

Jamerson (Georgia)

Do you think Kurt Busch is killing his chances of getting a ride with a more competitive team? Will he be relegated to mid-level rides or trying to start his own team?

David Newton

  (2:08 PM)

Not at all. Did you read my column? http://es.pn/JJEkzn. If anything he's helping his chances with the way he's driving. Taking an underfunded team and putting it in position to collect top 10s.

Jamerson (Georgia)

I heard a rumor that Jeff Burton and Ryan Newman have both been told by their respective team owners that they are free to "test the waters". Have you heard anything about this?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Stewart said yesterday he plans to keep Newman, so can't imagine he would tell him to test the waters. Burton may be another story. I haven't heard anything specific, but Childress may have to make a change he doesn't want to.

Batman (Gotham City)

Did you hear that Dale Jr. is going to drive a car with my face plastered all over it? Funny thing is... I'm actually a Kyle Busch fan. But the executives at Warner Bros. felt like we could sell more movie tickets by advertising on the 88 car. Oh well... do you think Dale can actually do well for a change and get my car into victory lane at Michigan?

David Newton

  (2:09 PM)

Depends on how much help he gets from the Boy Wonder.

nate new market al [via mobile]

with the recent comments that the king saying hendricks 200 wins wasn't as impressive as petty wins got me thinking.do you think petty would have all those wins if he raced in todays era.?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Nope. Not even close.

David @ UTI Sacramento [via mobile]

Has Kurt Busch flushed down the toilet all he has accomplished his entire cup career for good. what's the odds that he will ever return to a solid team?

David Newton

  (2:10 PM)

Hardly. He's one of the top five drivers in the field. Somebody will roll the dice.

Rick (Pennsylvania)

David - I am a big follower of your columns and have tremendous respect for you opinon but I could not disagree with you more on your coumn about Kurt Bush. To compare the Gordon-Burton incident to this is disingenuious. First of all neither Gordon nor Burton hit the talk button on their wheel and unleashed an expletive riddent tirade once again demonstrating he was out of control. Second neither driver made a dangerous move in the pits of a competitor, third you are right, he does have a reputation. His actions this weekend suggest either he has some kind of physical or mental issue or he thinks he is exempt from acting in a manner which even meets the minimal acceptable standard. His pattern of behavior is outside of the normal acceptable actions in our society. I do not care if he is a driver on the racetrack, a person waiting in line at the department of transportation, or a boss in the office. To suggest that he was critized because of his reputation alone, and he was just blowing off steam, I believe once again just excuses his actions, and all it does is enable him. He has got a great talent, and also a great privilege. He has been warned, fined, lost his job, and has gone through two great organizations. I don't care how good of a driver he is, it is time for him to exit and let another driver show us not only a great deal of talent but what it is like to be a great human being as well

David Newton

  (2:14 PM)

Thanks for following, and it's OK to disagree. But if you remember Jeff Burton wrecked Gordon at that Texas race under caution I believe. He lost his cool. Other drivers have too. If they kicked all drivrs out of the sport for losing their cool we wouldn't have the Busch Brothers, Tony Stewart and a few others. We may not have had Darrell Waltrip for long. And look at the temper tandrums athletes in other sports have. Just think this was overblown because the last name is Busch.

cody24 (corbin) [via mobile]

Whatdo you think the 24s chances are of getting into the chase by points. If not point what do you think are the best tracks for him to get wins to qualify for the chase?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Not much. His best shot is the wild card. Honestly, he can win anywhere, and I expect he will win a race or two.

David @ UTI Sacramento [via mobile]

Heard rumors that if Dodge does not return, Honda is the leading candidate to replace them. How much truth is there to this rumor given that they are already an established manufacturer in Indycar?

David Newton

  (2:15 PM)

Pretty late in the game to get Honda in for 2013.

Mark : Ohio [via mobile]

How do u think Trevor Bayne and the Wood Brothers will do this week in the All-Star Race? Will this be a good learning process for them... racing with the Big Dogs?

David Newton

  (2:16 PM)

It's a good time to see how daring Trevor really is.

Jamerson (Georgia)

Dale Jr. had just an okay run at Talladega and a mediocre run at Charlotte. Do you think his hot streak is over, or will he get back to the top-10 in the next few races? Can he contend for the win at Charlotte?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

Well, they haven't run at Charlotte yet. I suppose you mean Darlington. And if those runs are his low points, then he's in pretty good shape. Yes, he can contend. His mile and a half program is the best it's ever been.

Lenny (Elizabethtown,KY)

What are your thoughts on Darrell Wallace?

David Newton

  (2:17 PM)

That I'd like to see him get a chance to prove himself.

Michael (Flower Mound)

Hey Newt, good article about Busch and the unnecessary backlash he gets for everything. I find it funny that NASCAR is "going back to it's roots", yet every single time an incident involves the Busch brothers, they are called for public crucifiction.

David Newton

  (2:18 PM)

Thanks. People don't want vanilla, but when they get chocolate swirl they go nuts. Go figure.

BB (Mpls)

David, I have been a Jeff Gordon fan since he broke in to NASCAR. This year has been pretty painful. However, the last couple of years I get the feeling he is playing out the last couple years of Rusty Wallace's career. Rusty was with a very good organization, had good cars, always was optimistic he could win at most any race.....but slowly went away. Is this the beginning of the end of Gordon or can he still win and win the Championship?

David Newton

  (2:19 PM)

Jeff is way better at this point than Wallace was at the end of his career. Serioulsy, with any luckh he'd be right in the thick of things. He had Martinsville won. He's far from done.

Johnny (Alabama)

I was in the stands cheering for Junior when he almost won the Coca-Cola 600 last year. I'll be there again in a couple of weeks. Do you think I'll get to see him make it around first and take the checkers this time?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Can't predict, but the way he's run 1.5 mile tracks this season he should have a chance.

Turk (Mich.)

Hi Newt, thank you for the fair and balanced story on Kurt today, focusing on his talent as 1 of the Top 5 drivers in Sprint Cup today. Would you say the other 4 are: Rowdy, Jimmie, Matt and Stewart?

David Newton

  (2:20 PM)

Thanks. Those would be my picks, with Brad Keselowski catching the pack fast.

Jamerson (Georgia)

I heard Chevrolet is going to reveal the imported Holden Commodore as the new Chevrolet SS in the next couple of days. Will we see the Chevy SS revealed as the 2013 Cup car at the same time?

David Newton

  (2:21 PM)

Could be. SS was one of my favorites growing up.

David Garcia [via mobile]

I've noticed over the last few years or so teams have been bringing in a lot of new talent atop the Cup Series pitbox, more so than drivers, example. Matt Pucia, Chris Heroy, Dave Rogers, Paul Wolfe, Todd Gordon, Chad Jonhson and even Joey's new crew chief

David Newton

  (2:22 PM)

They have. A lot of it is engineer driven with this car.

Scott (Charlotte)

Hey David, I know it won't happen, but I got to ask. How many Indycar execs would jump off the top of the Pagoda if Danica wins the 600?

David Newton

  (2:23 PM)

Funny. You'd have a lot of shocked people in NASCAR as well.

David @ UTI Sacramento [via mobile]

what are your thoughts on the Mike Ford / Aric Almirola pairing? also what ever happened with Pat Tryson and now where will Greg Irwin go?

David Newton

  (2:24 PM)

Mike's one of the best in the business. He'll be good for a young driver like Aric. Tryson is with David Gilliland, I believe. I see him every week I'm at the track.

Joanne (Ft. Myers)

Hi David, do you think Dale Junebug has leadership responsibilities that go along with being the sports "most popular driver"? With that honor, is it Dale's job to take a more active role in issues other than #88 team?

David Newton

  (2:25 PM)

I do, and I believe he uses those abilities in a quiet way that doesn't bring a lot of attention to him to distract form the issue.

Rich (NYC) [via mobile]

Hey Newt. Do you expect the race at Pocono to be more competitive/closer due to the new pavement?

David Newton

  (2:26 PM)

Hard to tell. It'll definitely be faster. How that translate into passing and competition remains to be seen.

JrGuard (Florida)

Dale didn't win Daytona or Dega or Richmond, his good tracks in the spring so is it basically over until 2013 as far as winning a race?

David Newton

  (2:27 PM)

Nope. I agree with Jimmie Johnson, that Earnhardt is going to win where we least expect it.

Tyson (RVA) [via mobile]

Why does it seem in the sport of NASCAR the most popular drivers are winless and not the best (JR & Patrick ) ? .... And watch Gordon win the all star race bc points won't matter then he'll go back in a slump when the races do matter... Depressed Gordon fan here ....

David Newton

  (2:29 PM)

Cheer up. Gordon's season isn't done. As for popularity, it happens. Think of it this way. When the Cleveland Indians were really bad in baseball people still followed them. This is no different.

Rusty (UTEP)

Hi David, I know Trevor is under contract with RFR but how is he getting paid if he is not racing, and do you maybe see him with Penske driving the 22 next year if AJ does not pick it up.

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

He's getting paid the value of his contract and a percentage of his race earnings like everybody else. As for next year, Roush doesn't want to let him go that easy. And I doubt Penske will give up on AJ after one year.

Ron (Ohio)

With JGR closing in on their 100th cup win do you think it is more fitting for Rowdy, Denny or even Joey to earn that honor for Mr. G?

David Newton

  (2:30 PM)

Really doesn't matter to me, and I'm sure Gibbs feels the same way.

De'Mon Jones (Roanoke, VA)

Who are your favorites to win the All-Star race this weekend?

David Newton

  (2:31 PM)

I like Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. Both are hot and both are good at Charlotte.

Ted (Conway Ma)

Have any insiders ever mentioned that Kurt Bush is perhaps an alcoholic? Al Unser Jr is...

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

You need to have more than assumption before making statements like that. NASCAR has a pretty strict testling policy as well, so it would be hard to get past that.

Paul (Wisconsin)

Will EFI get rid of restrictor plates in the future?

David Newton

  (2:32 PM)

Not unless the cars stop going 200 mph plus at Daytona and Dega.

Tyler (Greenfield,NY)

Hi Newt, did it surprise you that Mr. H acknowledged Rowdy for his contributions to HMS 200th win but didn't say anything about Dale? Was that because Rowdy gave HMS 4 wins but Dale only 1?

David Newton

  (2:33 PM)

Didn't read anything into it, but thanks for the saarcasm. Is this a Stewart press conference?

Kevin (Ohio)

Newt, I have to chuckle that you equate Gordon's response to Burton at Texas with Busch's over a flat. Why didn't you just look at how Gordon responded during the same race to his cut tire which ruined his night...oh wait, I mean his 2 cut tires. No one doubts Kurt's talent, but listening to his radio traffic during the Darlington Race "I hate my $%#@&^ job", and on and on, one can only conclude that Newman is right, the dude is messed up in the head. Sad part is to think how successful he could be if he wasn't such a nut.

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

You've never said you hate your job when things aren't going well? Hard to imagine. Most people I know have said that from time to time it in the heat of a bad day. But I do agree it is a shame that his temper gets in the way of his success.

David (WPB, FL) [via mobile]

What would Kurt have to do if he wants to end up in the Hall of Fame?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Another title might seal it.

Chris (IN) [via mobile]

When is Jr's next legitimate chance at winning?

David Newton

  (2:35 PM)

Coke 600.

Sam (UT)

Whats finch gonna do about kurt its not making em look good hes been trying but his tirade isnt gonna help em

David Newton

  (2:36 PM)

Look, Kurt drove that car from 25th to the top 10. He was headed for a finishof third to seventh before the spinout. Not many drivers could do that with what he's working with. Finch appreciates that.

Rob F (Hoboken, NJ)

Hi Newt, I'm not a fan of Urt and find him to be fairly obnoxious, but I'm happy he and his brother are OK mixing it up on and off the track. There are too many vanilla drivers out there, and even the ones who have gone wild like Harvick, Stewart, and even Jeff Gordon don't do it often enough. Would Monster ever consider going with Kurt to cup? Sounds like a perfect fit...

David Newton

  (2:37 PM)

Monster might be a good fit, but since Kyle has the contract with them for his NW deal that likely won't happen -- unless Kyle puts Kurt in a Cup car.

Mark (Iowa)

I guess for me, if Kurt's temper wouldn't have the potential to hurt someone else, ie the times he's nearly hit someone on pit road intentionally, I wouldn't have a problem with it, the problem though is he has almost hit people on pit road with a 3400 pound weapon.

David Newton

  (2:38 PM)

Others almost get hit every race. Some actually do. They just don't have the last name Busch to draw attention to it.

Richard (Virginia Beach)

Who gets a win first Danica, Dale, or Pastrana? (Dale's win must be in Sprint Cup to count) and why?

David Newton

  (2:39 PM)

Junior. He's the better of the three. After that I'm going with Pastrana. Really impressed with what he's done in two NW races.

Phoenix (AZ)

With Harvick throwing his crew under the bus every race, getting out run by Menard plus a new crew chief every year, how much longer before Richard decides that the problems on #29 are driver?

David Newton

  (2:40 PM)

Are you kidding? Harvick has been third in the final standings the past two years. A lot of owners would like that problem.

Rusty (UTEP)

I don't believe Joey will lose his ride, sponsors seem to like him and nowadays $$$ it's what matters.

David Newton

  (2:41 PM)

Agree, but if he were to go into a big slump and finish outside the top 15 it would be a hard sell. Having said that, I believe he'll finish strong and be back.

greg (la)

man the wAY logano ran the other nite rly impressed me do u think he can keep that up

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

That was a nice top 10 considering he had to rally for it, twice I believe. But he ran there well the first time at Darlington if my memory serves correct. It has to be a confidence boost for that team, though.

Aaron Regan (Vass, NC)

After Saturday night, it starting to look as if Kurt could only come back with Phoenix. They still haven't found a sponsor and still might not. Question is, could a smooth solid late 2012 and same in 2013 in Earnings $$$ cover enough expenses to keep a team affloat????

David Newton

  (2:43 PM)

Not even close. Even if he won the title they'd come up short.

Johanne (FL)

If Burton goes, does Austin get the ride?

David Newton

  (2:44 PM)

As far as I know Dillon is tabbed for the No. 33 car. If Burton goes, and that remains an if since he signed a new deal last year, I'd look for a run on Kurt Busch.

Ross (Cuba/FL)

We are huge Kyle fans and feel that his sitting a race last year helped him greatly. Maybe Kurt needs to sit so he realizes that the world doesn't revolve around him?

David Newton

  (2:45 PM)

Did it calm him down some? Probably. Did it make him a better driver? No. Kurt already has been punished by losing his ride at Penske. If that doesn't do it, nothing will.

Justin (Connorsville)

So Danica punts Hornish into the wall just about like Kyle did last year nothing but Kurt peels out in pit lane and gets a 50k fine? Hmm, wonder why people say Nascar isn't credible....

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

NASCAR says the history between Kyle and Hornaday was a factor. I don't happen to agree. I believe Danica's intent isn't important here. She should have been punished with a small fine. Parking would be over the top.

Sue (Franklin TN)

If Kurt Busch likes to do burnouts maybe he should go back to Pro Stock racing :O

David Newton

  (2:46 PM)

He does like that.

Jeremy (Port Angeles, WA)

I saw on the Sporting News website this past weekend that Danica might not do Indy for the Sprint Cup race this year. If it is not Indy what track do you think will be her 10th Sprint Cup race?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

She said likely one of the Chase races, maybe Homestead so she can finish out the season in a Cup car and be ready for next year.

Ross (FL)

Should I throw away my Gordon hat and jump on the Bad Brad bandwagon?

David Newton

  (2:47 PM)

Keep the hat, but hold a Miller Lite in one hand.

Saul (San Diego)

Have you been able to make it to every race track to watch a cup race?

David Newton

  (2:48 PM)

Yep. The only one I'd never been to was Kansas, and I knocked that off my bucket list this spring.

Saul (San Diego)

Which track has the best food?

David Newton

  (2:50 PM)

I don't venture out into the fan area to eat much, although I do like the infield eatery at Daytona. Many of the tracks feed the media through an organization that serves all the tracks, so it's pretty much the same from place to place. Texas does a great nacho bar for the media. Bristol took a step up this year by feeding us the local bbq that I usually have to slip out to buy. And I loved the pancake bar they had at Kansas.

Trident (Cali)

Newt, great story today on Sprint Cup Champ Kurt Busch! Isn't it curious how the Busch haters choose to ignore to comments of Matt and Tony, 2 of the most respected drivers in the garage?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

That's the whole issue. People are so blinded by the Busch Brother's reps that they don't see past that.

Gene (Ohio)

As Monster Energy is really happy with the Busch Brothers partnership and performance, do you think Kurt will take the Monster $ponsorship to RCR or Gibbs in 2013 for a cup team?

David Newton

  (2:51 PM)

Don't believe it's his to take. It belongs to Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Adrian (Albany)

When the hell in NASCAR gonna learn that penalizing drivers by fining them does nothing!! These drivers are millionares, ohhhh....$50,000, really scary you dolts in Daytona

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

In many cases you're right, but $50,000 to a team like Phoenix Racing with no sponsor is a lot of cash.

Timmy (CO)

How can people think Danicas Cup day at Darlington was good? The only people she passed were guys that parked. Wow, she finished 6 laps down and kept no speed with the leaders. I would be more impressed if she ran top ten with fast speeds and crashed while giving some effort to it. She seems content to just ride around and collect a check.

David Newton

  (2:52 PM)

I'll put it like Stewart did. You go out and finish Darlington your first time out without crashing.

Saul (San Diego)

Is there more dislike for Kyle or Kurt?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Tough one. I'd say Kyle.

Vic (KY)

How come Stewart always says Darlington is the only cup track he hasn't won on when he hasn't won on our track Kentucky?

David Newton

  (2:53 PM)

Not sure he's said that to be honest.

David @ UTI Sacramento [via mobile]

Heard about a year ago that Infinion Raceway owners were willing to remove from the schedule in place of another track, now that Infinion is leaving as track sponsor this year do you see infinon raceway closing down or at the very least being dropped from cup schedule?

David Newton

  (2:54 PM)

Heard that as well when Bruton Smith was trying to find a date for Kentucky. NASCAR wants to keep two road courses on the schedule, and officials seem to like their visit to wine country. So no, I dodn't see it going away.

8Tbone8 (Florida )

With Kurt's strong ties to our military with all he does for Armed Forces Foundation, do you see Kurt taking over the #39 ARMY car in 2013 especially with Tony's words of support for Kurt and Newman's negativity?

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Nope. Tony already has said he wants Newman back in 2013. With Danica moving to Cup fulltime, he's going to have three drivers already.

Ted (Conway Ma)

I'm glad that you are stepping up to defend Kurt David, he is one of my favorite drivers

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

Thanks.

Mark (NC)

RCR signing Kurt? What a baseless rumor. Don't hold your breath on that one.

David Newton

  (2:55 PM)

OK, I'll breathe.

Kevin (PA)

How much longer do you see NASCAR holding an event at Watkins Glen?

David Newton

  (2:56 PM)

A good while. They like that market and drivers like the track. I kind of like it as well. Nearby Ithaca a fun little town.

Toni Stert (BK (With BBM))

Isn't it bad press that I took Kurt's side instead of my driver Neumen?

David Newton

  (2:57 PM)

Not sure you did that.

Mark (Harrisburg)

Who is the most likely replacement for Joey Logano next year? I'm also starting a rumor that Home Depot will be the new primary sponsor for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in the 6 car next year too. Spread the news.

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Can't see Home Depot bailing on Gibbs. If I had to pick a replacement,if that were to happen, I'd go with Kurt.

Drew (Cinci)

I heard a story recently about Dale Earnhardt, apparently in 1983 he was going to attempt the double, he even made practice laps in a Wrangler sponsored Indycar but brushed the wall and gave it up. Apparently this was top secret and Tim Richmond helped get it started, anyone ever heard about this?

David Newton

  (2:58 PM)

Seems I did hear rumblings about that. Never have checked to see if it was true. Ed Hinton likely would know.

Ted (Conway Ma)

When do you think Truex will get a win? This year, I hope

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Charlotte might be a good place. He's been strong on 1.5 mile tracks.

Vic (KY)

Newt, so you know, Kevin , PA, hates road courses and asks the same question in every chat.

David Newton

  (2:59 PM)

Thanks. Equal opportunity here.

Drew (Cinci)

As a 5th 3rd banker, I am happy to see Kenseth in those colors, now I understand the rumors about the car # change!

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

They really were talking about putting 53 on the side of the car instead of 17 for those four races.

Brandon Va [via mobile]

With Gordon and khane outside the Chase are those two drivers you feel have the best shot at a wild card if they can get some wins

David Newton

  (3:00 PM)

I'd have to agree with you on that. Wouldn't surprise me if both won a couple.

Brandon Va [via mobile]

With some of Jrs bad tracks coming up, where do u see him breaking this winless streak

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

How about Dover, where nobody would suspect it?

Ernie (PA.)

Doesn't every driver do a "burn out" every time they leave pit road?

David Newton

  (3:01 PM)

Pretty much. But from everything I've been told Kurt's was a bit more violent than normal.

David Newton

  (3:02 PM)

That's it for me. If you haven't checked out my column, here's the link. http://es.pn/JJEkzn. If you have more questions, catch me on Twitter at @Dnewtonespn. Thanks and have a great rest of the week.