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Chat Reel: Stephen Thomas

Gordon on track for another championship

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NASCAR chat with Stephen Thomas. Welcome Stephen glad you could join us.
Stephen Thomas: Thank you very much!

From Denny: Do you think Tony Stewart has a realistic chance to win in Charlotte after racing at Indy?
Stephen Thomas: He certainly thinks he does, and at this point I think he's deserves the benefit of the doubt.

From Tom Peters in Watauga, Texas: From what I have read NASCAR has put Eel River racing in the spot they are now in. There was talk of a sponsorship deal with Playboy that NASCAR said no to, and thus Eel River racing is still without a sponsor. How is Playboy any worse than beer, tabacco or viagra? They allowed Hooters to sponsor a car. So why not Playboy? What are your thoughts on the situation?
Stephen Thomas: As I wrote in Burning Questions a few weeks ago, I couldn't agree with you more. I think NASCAR is being entirely hypocritical on this, and as a result, Eel River pays the price,

From Danno in Duluth, Minn.: Last year, Mark Martin and Jeff Burton seemed to have a decent year. This year, both drivers are not doing to well. Does anyone know what the difference is?
Stephen Thomas: This is one of the $64,000 questions. They both did really well last year and are doing really poorly this year. The interesting thing is that Kurt Bush, another Roush racing driver, has had a really good year, which is interesting because he's a rookie. The nearest anybody can figure is that Rousch racing has had a really difficult time, as have other teams, figuring out race setups with the new Goodyear tire.

From Jason: Do you think Dodge will win a race this year?
Stephen Thomas: If I knew the answers to questions like that definitively, I'd be a very rich man. Frankly, my gut says yes. They've been close a couple of times already. The primary concern that a lot of people had coming into the season, was the Dodge engine's durability. And the manufacturer has answered those concerns pretty effectively. So given how close they've come already, there's no reason to think they won't win something.

From Laverna Smith in Carlisle, Ohio: Why does everybody boo Jeff Gordon when he wins races. That is so unprofessional and not good sportsmanship by the fans.
Stephen Thomas: I guess it could be as simple as nobody likes an upstart. And while Jeff Gordon certainly isn't an upstart anymore, fans have long memories. And when Gordon came on the scene, he was a success pretty much right off the bat and upset the status quo of NASCAR. And people have just held on to their dislike, apparently.

From Pete: Why doesn't Kyle Petty just hang it up? He misses half the races and is never in contention.
Stephen Thomas: Pete, until a few weeks ago I wondered the same thing, and in fact I wanted to write a story on that very topic. But after reading Kyle and Pattie Petty's interview transcript on the subject of their son Adam's death one year ago, I have decided that I will never again question Kyle Petty's motives for driving a race car. His explanation of how continuing to drive keeps Adam alive in his memory is reason enough for me. If Kyle Petty never makes another Winston Cup race, it's OK by me. And I hope he continues to show up every single week if that's what he needs to do to honor his son.

From Manny: Who do you think will win the Coca-Cola 600?
Stephen Thomas: It's a gutless pick, but I am going to go with Jeff Gordon. The guy drives really well in Charlotte, and after his performance in The Winston, he's as good a bet as any.

From Harc: Do you think Jeff Gordon and his team have found the groove that made him so successful in the early part of his career?
Stephen Thomas: Absolutely, and I think Gordon and Robbie Loomis have had things dialed-in for most of this year. I think they found their groove way early on in this season, and I think he's going to win the Winston Cup title this season.

From Walt: Can you explain the huge fan following for Bill Elliot? He hasn't been competitive in years?
Stephen Thomas: You're not alone in wanting to understand the how's and why's of that one. It's anybody's guess why this guy wins most popular driver year after year. He must have one hell of a public relations firm.

CNNSI Host: That is all the time we have with Stephen Thomas. Stephen, thanks for joining us.
Stephen Thomas: Thank you! Somebody asked last week if Cale Yarbrough's association with TRAC lent any credibility to the new racing organization, and from everything I gather, the answer would be no. TRAC is not seen as very legitimate even with Yarbrough's association.

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