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Do you believe that Dale Jr. is as driven as his father is; and if not; why not?
Hi, everybody. Let's get rolling. No, Mitch, I don't think anybody can be as driven as Dale Sr. was when he came up. He was so poor that when Dale Jr. was little, "we probably ought to have been on welfare," Senior once told me. Senior kept that hunger for most of his career. Then when he wasn't very hungry on the track, he worked to build something for his family.
Hey Ed, Is it a safe assumption with the little slack Biffle has given Edwards on a few occasions that the Roush drivers are still fighting amongst themselves in shop?
they never were "fighting" as such. A lot of people think Kenseth and Biffle resent Edwards getting all the publicity and sponsorship. some think Roush plays favorites, but I don't. More resentment than open hostility.
Does anybody like Kyle Busch?
If you could see the flood of POSITIVE e-mails I'm getting about today's column, you'd see that the people who don't like Kyle have fallen into the minority versus those who do like Kyle.
How excited are you with the forthcoming double file restarts? This rule is years too late.
VERY happy about this. It'll improve the racing considerably. I've been annoyed for years at the lapped cars getting in the way of the real contenders on restarts. Now, there's no reason to put the lapped cars up there, because the "lucky dog" takes care of the handout.
Why doesnt Nascar run races at Rockingham?
Small market, and besides, when Bruton Smith owned it he cannibalized its last remaining Cup date and took it to Texas. The Rock is legendary, but I never saw the place draw more than 50,000 people, absolute tops. It's more myth than anything else.
Is Darian Grubb the missing link in the Performance of the 88?
A lot of people ask that, but we'll never know. He's certainly the VITAL link in the performance of the 14 this year.
do you think Pocono is a boring race?
I don't think boring is a strong enough word for Pocono.
Big Ed, Great article on Kyle! Do you agree that the one of the problems with today's Nascar is that there aren't enough Kyle's to keep things interesting? People love conflict in sports and rivalries. Right now there is only one and that's Kyle and JR.
I wish we had eight or 10 more Kyles, and a Danica Patrick or two thrown in.
Do you think if Kyle does double or triple duty this weekend, and succeeds, the media will realize just how good of a wheelman he really is? If he doesnt win 1 of the 3 races, do you think he will avoid the media scrutiny again?
EVERYONE in the media realizes how good he is. He doesn't have to prove a thing to us. It's the fans who don't like him, for irrational reasons, that make all the noise.
Ed, Do you think the role of the Chase has had any part in the falling ratings? To me NASCAR has kind of become like college basketball... no reason to pay attention until the tournament or playoffs.
Maybe. But TV ratings are falling off for all sports. I think that has a lot to do with the Internet and the ability to view highlights at will, and not have to sit through the boring middle stages.
I like kyle busch
So do a few gazillian other people. You should see the outpouring of Kyle support coming into my e-mail after this latest column. Kyle haters, you're a dying breed.
If Pocono is to long or not a good race,why doesnt Nascar look at another place to race?
Because NASCAR thinks Pocono is the nearest thing to a New York market. If someone ever built a track in Jersey, Pocono probably would wither.
When are we going to see the Nationwide COT's? I have not heard about them for a while.
NASCAR keeps meeting with people, but it's getting touch and go for '10. Thing is, Nationwide teams, except for those that are part of Cup teams, don't have nearly as much money as the big boys. Changing fleets might run some Nationwide owners right out of the sport, due to expense.
Just wandering if Petty had any good things to say about the new Dodge engine they used last week? How was the performance, horsepower, etc.. Also, what is the difference between the old engine and the one they are using now?
All I heard was that he was complaining about not getting his cash from Chrysler. That shows how desperate RPM is for money. You didn't hear Penske moaning. Engine must have helped, though. Did you see how Sorenson was running there for a while?
I'll admit that Kyle Busch is a great talent but until he develops some class, I can't defend the guy. You can't win Every race and the way the guy storms off when things don't go his way speaks volumes about his maturity level. Kyle Busch, great driver, poor sportsman.
Actually I think it's very cool that he storms off. What would you prefer? "We'll take this ninth-place finish, it was a pretty good day for us." You want that, you can have it. I'd rather see him take a hike.
Pocono is one of those places that is better in person then on tv. I've gone to every race since Mayfield's first win there and a lot of the races that I thought were great in person came across horribly on tv.
Well, I agree with half of what you say. It comes across horribly on TV. But I don't think it comes across live very well either. Just my personal taste.
Do you know anything about the supposed new Canadian Motor Speedway and if NASCAR would be interested in going there?
I have said for years that nobody deserves a Cup race more than Canadian fans. They have been tremendously loyal and wiling to travel -- they make up a huge part of the crowds at Michigan, the Glen, New Hampshire, and you can always count on a big contingent at Daytona.
Has it been announced yet if the double-file restarts are going to start at Pocono or Michigan? Michael Waltrip said on This Week in Nascar that they were going to start at Pocono and Knaus said he didn't think he was supposed to talk about that yet. I have heard much talk about it, but hadn't seen anything official yet.
Last I heard, our folks are reporting it starts this weekend. Hope so. Pocono could use it.
What did Junior say to Kyle Bush at last weeks drivers meeting any Idea?
Everybody's made a big deal about that. Here's my educated guess. Junior said something like, Man, why'd you have to take another shot at me. Kyle: I didn't. They asked me, so I told them. Junior: OK. No big deal.
Kahne was the only RPM car who ran the new Dodge engine. Sorenson was was running to old enginge. FYI.
Oh, OK. Still, nothing much can help RPM.
I would like to know is why is it every time there is a picture of Kyle Busch he looks like he is either pouting or gonna cry. He wants fans, well its kinda hard to like or be a fan of an over grown first grader. At least when jr loses he does his interviews and takes it like a MAN!!
Visage is in the eyes of the beholder. The guy can't help how he looks.
Do you think Ryan Newman will make the Chase, and be a solid championship contender?
Yes, I think he'll make the Chase. Championship contender? ooooh, 50-50 on that.
so terry, ryan, and david all say that what kyle did this weekend was a disgrace and that he should grow up and learn not to kick a man when he's down yet u write an article praising his immaturity and disrespect to others....I guess that shows what kind of person you are.
There you go with personal attacks rather than substance. The other guys are entitled to their opinions, and I to mine. By the way, I was there. They weren't.
Jr. has become more accustomed to losing than Kyle. He should be able to handle it better!
You have a point.
What did you think of JJ taking Dover over Smoke?? That was a great finish!
Wouldn't have been if JJ's pit crew hadn't messed up. JJ clearly dominanted. Tony said he knew he had no real chance.
Do you think Kahne can defend his race title? He seems to be coming on strong as of late.
Yep, he can.
I like your article. Kyle Busch is a breath of fresh air! I call Mark Martin "a Machine". He's a fantastic driver. When he was young he was a bit of bad boy. Now, Everything is GREAT! I'm havin' FUN! He's the same if he wins the race as he is when someone puts him into the wall! "They" got to him. He is a machine!
Good point. Mark Martin was pretty temperamental when he was Kyle's age too. But Mark didnt win nearly as early or draw nearly as much attention.
What track do you see Ryan getting his first victory with Stewart Haas at?
could be anywhere. Could be pocono Sunday. Could be Michigan next week.
What NASCAR really needs is a resurgence in driver rivalries! Tell me fan excitement wouldn't surge if a couple of drivers like Kyle Busch and Dale Jr. or Carl Edwards legitimately didn't like each other! It would be great for the sport...
You're absolutely right.
Is this the week that Stewart/Haas gets it's first points win?
Very possibly.
Hi Ed! What do you think the chances are that Humpy Wheeler will take over the promotions for IMS? If he does, what is the likelihood is of the Indy 500 being moved to accomodate the drivers running both the Indy 500 and the World 600?
That's been rumored since he was a guest for the Indy 500. He told me the other day he hasn't been offered anything. But you never know.
Hey Ed Im going to Pocono Sunday. I cant wait to see a big one on the long pond straight away with the double file restart.
Now I guess that WOULD be a big one. But don't blame the double-file start unless it's late, late in the race -- sort of like the last restart of the All-Star race.
when do u think the 88 will return to victory lane this season ?
how 'bout michigan in two weeks?
so, you were there and you kept pushing and prodding Kyle until he said something that would make news.... great job!
no, a lot of people were there.
Ed, are you sponsored by M&M's?
Another middle school comment. You people can't find anything substantive to say so you talk like 12 year olds.
Ed, I do not like Kyle Busch, I think he needs to mature quite a bit. But, he is a great talent in a great car, it appears, and is great for the sport. period
Now there's an honest comment. Well said.
Ed, I love your writing but you've joined the Kyle Busch apologists in the media. Yes, he makes your job easier, I understand that. However, is it not painfully obvious that the guy has serious maturity issues? He's all about the camera when he wins, but is a ghost when he is not. What I'm more surprised at is that a class act like Joe Gibbs hasn't calibrated him a little. There's a reason why the guys gets way more boos at the track than cheers.
I've been around this stuff nearly 35 years. I've seen a bunch of 'em with "maturity" issues. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was pretty cocky, obnoxious and a sore loser in his time. And he was 28 when he hit Cup!
Most all of the drivers show up with there wives, Girl friends or this weeks eye candy, never see one with Junior whats his deal?
Privacy for the ladies, and keeping his options open.
I realize it was childish and so is Kyle Busch! Remember, we all have a right to our opinions Ed.
Yeah, but I think I'm gonna adopt an over 21 rule.
Kyle Busch is NO Dale Earnhardt Sr.
I know. Kyle wins a lot more and is a lot less reckless at this stage of his career.
I like you Ed. Keep up the good work.
Man, you're the only person in Indiana who does. Thanks. Give my regards to Tony George.
Kyle Busch is good for NASCAR whether you like him or not. His storming off after bad finishes shows how dedicated to winning he is, being upset is fine but he left Logano out to dry after the nationwide race even though it looked like he had a tire going down prior to contact from the 20
Logano needs a few unfair moments like that. He's had plenty the other way.
Any thoughts on the latest with Mayfield v. Nascar?
I just wonder how long Mayfield's money will hold out for those lawyers. They don't work cheap. NASCAR can out-lawyer him for years on end.
What is it with Jr. Nation being so envious of Kyle's success? Talk about sore losers. Can't they just say this guy is the best thing to hit Nascar since Smoke!!!
Just another comment to illustrate how far into the minority the anti-Kyle crowd has plunged.
I think NASCAR made the same mistake the NHL did: thinking it was a bigger sport than it actually is. It's important to grow the sport, but when you forget that you're a niche sport and ignore your core fanbase, it will eventually come back to bite you.
Excellent point. NASCAR has been too big for its britches ever since Brian France got an executive role.
How surprised are you that Carl Edwards hasn't won a race this year...in either series?
VERY surprised, although week to week it gets less surprising as his performance remains in the doldrums.
I, too, sent you a positive email. Thanks for writing a great column about Kyle. He is young and he knows he has a lot to learn, but he puts you at the edge of your seat whenever he races. I like that and he's good for NASCAR.
See, folks? See?
Do you think Jimmie Johnson gets the respect he deserves?? he is a 3 time back to back winner of the Championship and it seems like he is so under the radar.
I don't think JJ gets nearly the respect he deserves. He's just so soft spoken and polite that even when he says something controversial it sounds appropriate and nice.
Hey Ed does it seem like Nascar milked everone dry now are coming back hat in hand.
That's about the size of it, Bobby.
Does Kyle Busch now remind you of a young Tony Stewart at all?
Not really. Much more sure of himself at the wheel than Tony was in stock cars at that age. Personality wise, yes, although Tony was even more outspoken than Kyle at this stage. Tony became totally candid his rookie year in the Indy 500.
Hey Ed, tough crowd today huh? Do you see Kenseth winning more races this year and being a contender for the Cup? Thank you
Aw, they're all right. Figure Kenseth wins a couple more races and makes the Chase. Trouble is, his attitude gets VERY negative during the Chase. Barring his seeing a hypnotist or something, I'd say he'll psych himself out of a championship.
It seems we have an up and coming rivalry...Ed Hinton vs. Chatters!
na, they're mostly on my side.
Do you think there will be any changes made regardnig safety at the next 'Dega race? Personally I thought it was a fluke accident cause by blocking more than anything. Most exciting race of the year so far!
Bet your bottom dollar there'll be smaller holes in the plates, and a slowdown of maybe 10 mph.
But Kyle makes fun of the other driver's misfortures, such as needing the lucky dog. But he has needed the lucky dog at times. So he should keep those comments to himself while driving.
oh, let him rip. what the heck.
the reason we talk like 12 yr olds is bc you've made it very clear you like grownups who act like 12 yr olds. just read your own article...
can somebody make sense of this one?
Lets see Kyle Busch win 1 championship in one of NASCAR's top divisions before you go comparing him to a top 5 driver of all time Ed. Winning races doesn't mean a lot when you have zero titles. Again, his maturity will hold him back.
Like I said: Apples to apples, Kyle Busch has won more races and wrecked a lot fewer cars at this stage of his career than Dale Earnhardt at this stage.
Hey, how do the Keselowski brothers get along..better than the Busch brothers?
Think it would be safe to say better than the Busch brothers, because that's not saying a lot. Not really sure about the K brothers, but they seem to be fine.
What do you suppose is going on at RCR? When a smaller (2 car) start-up team like stewart/haas has this much success, you have to wonder exactly what is going on with an experienced, well financed, 4 car team like RCR?
I wonder if there's a lot of fire and hunger left over there. Lot of awfully rich folks in Welcome.
the reason you got so many positive emails about the kyle article is bc everyone that hates kyle skipped over the article once thay saw his picture...even a 12 yr old knows that
read the "Conversation" below it, and you'll see otherwise. middle school is definitely at recess in the "Comments."
Tell Jr. Nation if they want to find me at Pocono I'll be the one in the Kyle Busch shirt.
I think you'll be harder to find than Jr. Nation might assume.
Why is it all Jr fans complaining about Kyle? Jealous?
Food for thought.
how can you compare kyle b and dale sr
I didn't. Kyle has had more success at this stage. You guys keep bringing up Senior, and I keep telling you Kyle has done a lot better at this stage. I was there for the arrivals of both.
A driver like Kyle is great for the sport and I can't stand him! Nascar needs more guys who pop off at the mouth because if anything villans make for great entertainment. Kyle just shouldn't be suprised if he ever picks on someone besides one of the nicest guys in the garage(JR) he may get popped in the mouth for his troubles. (but again that would be great entertainment, remember Tony and Jeff!)
Now there's an honest, smart fan. Can't stand Kyle but knows NASCAR needs more like him. Brandon, you know your sport well. Good for you.
Could the carl edwards success last year have contributed greatly from his team getting the hang of the COT ahead of others?Now, everyone has caught up and it appears he's struggling? Did people rally expect him to win 6 races a year with the talent and drive in the cup series?
Could be. There's always a tech "leap frog" effect. The ones who are winning tend to leave their setups alone, and get passed by those who keep trying new stuff.
More people like me than hate me? Seriously? I never would have known that listening to the fans reaction at the track.
If you really were Kyle, you wouldn't care.
I like when Junior has troubles when I attend races all his fans leave gives me more room
Had only noticed that at Talladega. If he's out early, you know the traffic will have eased by the time the media gets to go home.
youl like grownupps who act like 12 yr olds, ie kyle busch acts like a 12 yr old when he throws his tantrums...geez ed, wasn't that hard to get.
tantrums? i just thought he walked away. have you seen him lying on the ground flailing his arms and legs? i'd like to see a video clip of that.
Ed, everyone is talking about the massive struggles at RCR but I haven't heard much mention about their loss of Bobby Hutchens. Coincidence that Stewart Haas is booming and all of a sudden RCR is tanking? hmmmmmmmmm
Could be part of it. Hutchens had been RCR's top tech guy since the days of Senior.
Where's Carl Edwards when you need him. Remember last year he did the bump and run on Kyle so we thought a rivalry was starting there. Come on Carl, take some pressure off the Junior and Kyle rivalry for a while.
There's a good idea!
So you think kenseth can't handle the stress of the chase? He does have one under his belt, different format of coarse.
it's not the stress. he just gets real down on his team's ability to compete. i've heard it from him every time he's made the chase. "we just can't seem to . . ." fill in the blank.
Alright Ed, now you are posting too many Kyle and Jr. comments. Are you going back to 7th grade? Let get at least one more good question in.
And yours is?
what does a team do with a former drivers hauler
They paint it, or sell it to a Nationwide or ARCA team.
Nah, Carl's too busy complaining about Talladega.
Now there you people go ripping poor old Carl when he's down. See how hungry y'all are for someone to hate?
OK, gotta go, folks. Thanks to everyone for stopping by.