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March 3, 2:00 PM ET
Chat with Terry Blount

Terry Blount
  (1:59 PM)

Hello chatters. What's on your mind today?

dz (phx, az)

hello terry!!! with all this talk about SHR taking on a 3rd driver (kahne or harvick) is SHR serious about adding a 3rd team or is the 3rd team buzz being created by fans &#x26; media? thanks.

Terry Blount
  (2:00 PM)

They want to add a third team, bujt they want to make sure they do it right. As always, it's depends on sponsoship, but I expect SHR to have three cars in 2011.

Mitch (Maine)

If you remove the Cup guys that run Nationwide, who are the top 3 drivers? Any chance of them getting Cup rides next year?

Terry Blount
  (2:01 PM)

Justin Allgaier has a good chance at being in Cup next year. Steve Wallace has shown some dramatic improvement this season. And Mark Martin thinks Trevor Bayne is the most talanted driver in the NW series.

Jake (Irving)

Now that Scotty Speed is 16th in points, has led laps in all 3 races, is the #1 in points at Red Bull, do you expect Scotty to win a race this year-maybe a road course-and make the chase?

Terry Blount
  (2:02 PM)

Scott might win a race this season if everything goes his way, but I don't think he's a Chase contender yet.

Kevin (Charlotte)

Is Kyle Bush happy with the crew chief change or did Kurt get the better deal?

Terry Blount
  (2:04 PM)

Too early to say how it all will turn out, but I think Steve Addington is a top 10 crew chief.

Wayne (Penn)

Do you think Knaus would quit Henricks before agreeing to crew chief for Dale?

Terry Blount
  (2:04 PM)

Neither of those things is going to happen.

Brian (NJ)

Kahne is an amazing talent, He has never been in top notch stuff, they were close in 06, but for him to run like he has in B minus stuff,who would not want to try and sign him, How long before he announces a new deal ?

Terry Blount
  (2:05 PM)

Kahne said he would like to make his decision as soon as possible, but it probably won't happen until late this summer.

Becky (Marysville, Oh)

Do you think the Kyle and Dave are using the #48 strategy and focusing 100% on the final 10 races instead of going all out to win every regular race?

Terry Blount
  (2:06 PM)

Looks to me like ther 48 is going all out to win races right now.

dz (phx, az)

with all the number changing in the nba do nascar drivers see any financial benefit from their number changing? so if gordon or johnson change their numbers will their pocket book get larger? just a thought.

Terry Blount
  (2:07 PM)

It's not their decision to make. The numbers are controlled by the team owners.

Brian (NJ)

Mart Dawg tweeted, Bs about fans that are not going to watch racing any more because of JJ, I think JJ is bad for the sport right now,I will never stop watching NASCAR, but what do you think ?

Terry Blount
  (2:09 PM)

I've gotten several emails this week from people saying they won't watch anymore because JJ wins all the time. But what do they want NASCAR to do? They 48 is one of the best team's in history, so enjoy it while it last, because it won't last forever.

Todd (GA)

Do you think some more changes could be in store for the 88 team after the pit crew perfomance the had in vegas?

Terry Blount
  (2:10 PM)

They've already made tons of changes there. You can't just keep changing everything. You have to let it play our a while and see where everything stands.

Jim (Washington DC)

I am concerned about the 11 car. Should I be?

Terry Blount
  (2:11 PM)

Maybe a little. I still wonder with the knee situation has an impact all all this.

Todd (GA)

Give me a favorite and a dark horse for this weekends race.

Terry Blount
  (2:12 PM)

Fave _ Jeff Gordon. Darkhorse _ Brian Vickers.

Fred (Denver)

Do you think NASCAR is hurt by the fact that its most popular driver is no where close to being its best driver? In no other sport is that the case.

Terry Blount
  (2:13 PM)

It doesn't help NASCAR that Jr. is struggling. What NASCAR needs is four of five guys to seriously challenge JJ.

Brady (Orlando)

How could Gordon and Johnson lap Dale during the 100 lap green flag run if all the Henricks are equal?

Terry Blount
  (2:16 PM)

No two cars are completely equal. Even if they are built the same, they are set up differently for different drivers.

Jamerson (Georgia)

Kasey Kahne will be driving a Hendrick car next year, but not for Stewart... I have seen the future that is 2011... Harvick drives the #4 Shell-Pennzoil car for SHR... Dale Jr. drives the #3 Budweiser car for RCR... Kahne drives an AMP Energy sponsored ride for Hendrick Motorsports... National Guard moves over to be primary sponsor on the #24 with DuPont stepping back their motorsports program. Put it in the BANK.

Terry Blount
  (2:17 PM)

Jamerson, you must have some very special Tarot cards

Di (Wisc. )

Any chance we might see Kurt Busch running a few truck races for Kyle Busch Motorsports, just for fun?

Terry Blount
  (2:17 PM)

Don't think that's happening.

Joseph (NJ)

How could Vegas call that race a sell out when it was obvious there were 1,000's of empty seats?

Terry Blount
  (2:19 PM)

People buy seats and don't show up. Corporations buy blocks of seats and don't use them all. And all tracks list sellouts when they have less than a 100 sengle seats left. But all in all, it was a very impressive crowd.

Cory (Geneva, IL)

If NASCAR really needs Jr. that bad, why don't this give him a little extra "horsepower" under the hood. I know the conspiracy theorists would jump all over it, but is that something that could be hidden?

Terry Blount
  (2:20 PM)

There were days many years ago when the oldtimers say this kind of thing happened, but those days are long gone.

Brady (Orlando)

Kylee Busch seems to be the new guy with too much on his plate. His Cup car is suffering. When will JD put a stop to this?

Terry Blount
  (2:21 PM)

I've felt for a long time Kyle need to quit running so many NW races. JD says Kyle is a guy who has to be doing somerthing all the time, so he might as well be in a race car.

Jeremy (Port Angeles, WA)

Do you think that Danica will be doing Nascar full time in 2-3 years

Terry Blount
  (2:22 PM)

That's the plan, but she'll have to prove to herself she can do so competitively before she commits to it.

steve (ct)

How do you think the rule changes this year will effect action on the short tracks?

Terry Blount
  (2:23 PM)

I dont think they'll have much, if any, affect on short tracks, expect NASCAR might let the guys bang a little more without threatening to penalize them.

Ryan (Philly)

I realize it's early but what do you think of Logano so far? Seems to really be making some strides...

Terry Blount
  (2:25 PM)

I agree Ryan. It's like a light clicked on this season and he's more comfortable mixing it up. Joey is extremely talented. He just needed time to learn all the tracks and gain some experience.

Pat (Atlanta)

How come the drivers like the old, rough, abrasive surface at Atlanta and Dale cried and complained about the same type of surface at Daytona?

Terry Blount
  (2:26 PM)

Most of the drivers like the surface in Daytona and don't want them to repave it.

Maxine (TX)

Haven't heard any Mayfield stuff. Is he finished forever in Nascar?

Terry Blount
  (2:27 PM)

I would be extremely surprised to see Mayfield ever compete in another NASCAR event.

Katie (Columbus)

Do you think the reason Dale, Tony Stewert and Hrvicks can't compete for wins is becuase they have too many outside interests?

Terry Blount
  (2:29 PM)

No. Tony won his share last year and Kevin came darn close to winning the last two weeks.

Andrew (Alabama)

Do you think Dale Junior's last season at really being a top racer was 2004?

Terry Blount
  (2:30 PM)

No. He was pretty good in 2006 when he finished fifth in the standings and had 17 top 10s.


Nascar invades my home town this week Terry. I think Harvicks gotta be the favorite after what he did last fall here. You think any different?

Terry Blount
  (2:32 PM)

I think he's a contender because RCR has really stepped it up. I don't know that he's the favorite. Conditions are much different for the March event than they are in the sweltering heat of Labor Day weekend.

JB (Alaska)

Do you think Ryan Neumen has worn out his welcome already at Stewart Hass just like he did at Penske?

Terry Blount
  (2:33 PM)

Absolutely not. Ryan and Tony get along great.

big ben (nc)

if hendrick shares engines with Stewart-Haas, does Stewart-Haas give feedback to the the Hendrick team? If so, isn't this exactly what nascar's four team rule was is trying to get rid of? (not trying to call out hendrick and SRC, just using them as an example)

Terry Blount
  (2:34 PM)

The 4-team rule is a bit of a joke. All the major teams now have alliances with other teams. Roush has RPM, for example. RCR and EGR build engines together.

Justin (VA)

Do you think Jr will make the chase this year? How many races will he win?

Terry Blount
  (2:35 PM)

I don't think he will make the Chase, but I do think he'll win a race.

Ron (Charlotte)

Do you think Gibbs might move Jason Ratcliff up to cup to crew chief for Denny?

Terry Blount
  (2:36 PM)

No. I think Mike Ford is staying on the pit box.

Shirley (Michigan)

Won't Nascar really be better if the Junior Nation throws in the towel and focuses on other drivers who have a chance of winning races?

Terry Blount
  (2:36 PM)

Not going to happen Shirley.

Josh (CT)

If it comes down to 2 tires or 4 at atlanta will anyone take 2 assuming we see a similar race to last week?

Terry Blount
  (2:38 PM)

No, but only because Atlanta is a much more abrasive track.

Mark (Annandale, VA)

Terry,How would you assess RPM (Richard Petty Motorsports) so far this year?

Terry Blount
  (2:39 PM)

Not as good as they had hoped. And they are going to need to be a lot better to have any hope of re-signing Kahne.

Jay (PA)

Is there anyone more of a sly veteran that Kenseth in the Sprint Cup carage?

Terry Blount
  (2:40 PM)

I don't know about sly, but I know he's very happy with Todd on the pit box. It looks like that was a great decision.

Gino (PR)

What issues do Nascar Teams debrief every Tuesday at their shops?

Terry Blount
  (2:41 PM)

They go over everything that happened on Sunday and what they could have done better. IN EGR's case this week, they had to get their drivers speaking to each other again.

Chris (Pennsylvania)

Put it in the books Terry!!! Kasey Kahne wins this weekend at Atlanta.....just like the fall race!!!

Terry Blount
  (2:43 PM)

RPM hopes you're right, but you have to realize that this race is totally different from the Labor Day weekend race. Condition are much colder and the track won't be as slick as it was then. How the car reacts is completely different.

Mark (Mount Airy,MD)

Terry, will any of the Ford teams be running the new engine package this week at Atlanta????????

Terry Blount
  (2:44 PM)

I don't think so. Atlanta is really hard on engines.

Sean (SC)

Dale and Lance have run almost a full season of races togther and it doesn't sound like there is much chemistry. Do you expect Mr H to replace Lance and blame the crew chief again?

Terry Blount
  (2:45 PM)

No. I can't see Rick changes crew chiefs again in the middle of the season.

Joe's Wife (FL)

Can Logano pull off a similar finish at Atlanta, even though his stats aren't that good here? Maybe a Top 12?

Terry Blount
  (2:46 PM)

Wouldn't shock me a bit to see Joey post a top 10 Sunday.

Reid (Waco, TX)

Terry, I miss your face when are you on TV again?

Terry Blount
  (2:47 PM)

Very funny Reid. No one misses this old face, but I'll be on again next Tuesday.

Shaun (Torrance)

Do you think going back to the old spoiler will help NASCAR and the on the racing for the rest of the season?

Terry Blount
  (2:49 PM)

I'm not sure the spoiler will make much difference in the quality of the racing, but it could shake things up in terms of who's good and who isn't, depending of which teams make the right adjustments.

Marcus (Tenn)

Any chance of Kyle Busch Motorsports entering Nationwide cars this season?

Terry Blount
  (2:49 PM)

No chance.

terry (can u hear me?)


Terry Blount
  (2:51 PM)

You'll have to ask Ed and Marty about that. Ed's the resident oldtimer and Marty's the hip-and-trendy youngin. I'm somewhere in between. Actually, I'm much closer to Ed's category than Marty's.

Matt (Georgia)

Why does Kyle and others race in nationwide, do they want to feel good?

Terry Blount
  (2:52 PM)

They just love to race, and sponsors want them to be in the cars. But it's bad for the series to have Cup stars competing for the NW title.

Frank (Boston)

Terry- your thoughts on the USF1 failure?

Terry Blount
  (2:53 PM)

Just did a blog on that which will be posted soon. My thought is no one should be surprised this didn't work out. It was a long shot from the get go.

Brian (NJ )

Whats the word in the garage on who is trying to sign Kahne? In this economy, deals need time to develope. You can't wait t'll the end of the season like old times.

Terry Blount
  (2:54 PM)

Whatever happens will happen before the end of the year. I'm sure SHR is considering him, and maybe Gibbs if they can find a sponsor. Gibbs probably won't take Budweiser. But all this depends of what other guys do, like Harvick, for example.

jay (pa)

is budweiser gonna be with kahne no matter where he goes?

Terry Blount
  (2:55 PM)

That isn't clear, but I know the Bud folks really like Kasey, although he doesn't seem like the typical beer-drinking guy.

Gene (Ross,Ohio)

Do you think we will se better racing at Bristol with them adding more safer barrier?

Terry Blount
  (2:56 PM)

Part of the track will be narrower, which will squeeze things up and possibly cause more wrecks.

Gene (DC)

Gordon's dad says Jeff might race until he is 45. Does that mean that we will be seeing Kyle Busch dominanting Nascar for the next 25 years?

Terry Blount
  (2:57 PM)

He's not dominating NASCAR now at the Cup level.

Rich (CA)

Terry, Sadler gets a lot of blame for being a mediocre driver, but if you look around him, all the RPM cars are crap. Luckily for kahne, he's gat an amazing crew chief. Thoughts?

Terry Blount
  (2:58 PM)

I think Kahne is one of the best drivers in Cup, but he's never had great equipment.

big ben (nc)

if you were going to build a track for the sprint cup, where would you build it and what kind of track would you build?

Terry Blount
  (3:00 PM)

I would build it in the Pacific Northwest and make it a .75 mile oval without a lot of banking.

joe (texas)

hey terry, got a new nickname for ya, you could be Texas Terry Blount kinda like labonte. u like?

Terry Blount
  (3:01 PM)

I grew up in Houston and live there until I was 40, so that's not as crazy as you might think.

Terry Blount
  (3:02 PM)

Gotta run folks. Have a great week. I'm out. Peace.