Note: This is a transcript from January 31, 2007.

David Smith >> Hey everyone, I'm here. Hope those of you who got your first dose of All Access today enjoyed it!


David Smith >> I've got lots of questions and only an hour to answer so let's get started...


Ryan T. >> Have you heard anything about possible rides for Auggie Vidovich or Matt McCall?

David Smith >> For Matt, he'll either be racing in the Grand National East or hopping in a truck for a few races. Auggie's plans were just shot when Biagi closed. That put him so far behind the 8-ball that it doesn't look good.


Justin S. >> Who do you feel could emerge from the Hooters Pro Cup Series as a top Nextel Cup prospect?

David Smith >> James Buescher and Shelby Howard may end up being the prime two this year. That could add up if Drew Herring heads the way of Pro Cup. If he was still with Gibbs, I'd throw Woody Howard in there as well, but unfortunately, he'll be playing catch-up this year.

David Smith >> If Shelby does as good this year in Ricky Benton's equipment as he did last year in Tony Stewart's stuff, then he should be considered as a bonafide legit prospect.


Matt P. >> What caused Scott Lagasse Jr.'s jump in the ratings?  Did I miss something he did?

David Smith >> As far as on-track performances go, then no. But since we started over with a clean slate, we pretty much watched everything. Lagasse's ASA stint was unbelievable--he ran with Reed Sorenson and absolutely blew Todd Kluever out of the water back in 2002/2003. It's no secret that the equipment he's been in has been lame but my contacts at the Ganassi shop say they're are making sure that this year is the year for him.

David Smith >> Basically, we underrated him last year and made up for it this year.


Jamie E. >> Since All Access previewed the Daytona ARCA race and the World Series, can we get some predictions for both?

David Smith >> Well, I'll still go with Josh Wise in a Toyota in the ARCA race, even after Michael Waltrip took the car Josh tested in December and made it his personal Daytona 500 car. As for the WSA, New Smyrna just had a new surface slapped on it, so it will be tough to tell. My guess is that Scott Bishop will have a coming-out party and veteran Ted Christopher will rock the mod division.


Tyler A. >> Since you reported that Hendrick has opened back up their driver development program, do you see them adding anyone else along with Landon Cassill?

David Smith >> No, not for the time being. To be honest they don't have room because their Cup guys are all 35 and younger. If Landon is to be Jeff Gordon's successor, then where would another guy fit in?


Matthew W. >> When there is a big late model, USAC, or modified companion race on the same weekend as a Nextel Cup race, how important is it for a young racer to perform?

David Smith >> Great question. I think that there are guys in the garage, like Ranier with Ganassi, DeSouza with Gibbs, and Max Jones with Roush that are smart enough to know that one race doesn't make the man (or woman). Nowadays, every driver that is touted as a "serious up-and-comer" is given the full-on CSI treatment.


Janice H. >> David, what is going to happen to Danny O’Quinn?

David Smith >> I think the writing is on the wall as far as being with Roush goes. He needs to find a ride elsewhere. He can't be on the sidelines all year--that doesn't make you a better driver.


Mike V. >> What state do you think is the biggest hotbed for prospects?

David Smith >> Well picking one answer will spark an argument, so I'll say it's a tie between Indiana and North Carolina. I'll let the message board pundits politic over that one.


Bryan D. >> Do you know if Kevin Harvick’s Busch team has any plans to go to Nextel Cup? If not, where will Kertus Davis end up?

David Smith >> I'm not sure. At this point, Harvick has the momentum needed to start one up. If not, I'm sure if Kertus has a great year, a ride will magically open up for him in Cup. The Gibbs organization is a fan of him and he would be a fantastic fit at Petty Enterprises.


Corrine H. >> Are you going to have more event coverage this year? I loved the Chili Bowl coverage!

David Smith >> Count on it. Up next is coverage of the World Series, Speedweeks, and then USAC at Eldora. We've amped up the number of scouts this year, so we'll have more to cover as well.


Chris B. >> What teams do you see improving their development programs this year?

David Smith >> Petty and the Toyota teams. Bill Davis Racing already scored a good one with Bobby Santos. Team Red Bull and MWR will look to improve here pretty soon as well.


Jon R. >> Do you think Bryan Clauson could win in any of his Busch Series starts this year? Do you expect him to run a full Busch schedule next year?

David Smith >> I think a win in the NBS this year is pretty ambitious. Realistically, he could win in late models or ARCA. The plan right now is for him to run a full Busch deal in 2008 and that's when I think he'll score some wins.


Gregory G. >> I heard that since Cheerios/Betty Crocker left Evernham that Kevin Swindell will have to wait awhile before he gets into a stock car or truck. Aren’t they going to eventually drop him like that did Tommy Lane and A.J. Foyt IV?

David Smith >> Kevin is held in higher regard than A.J. and Tommy was. He needs to get his feet wet in a full year in USAC and then we'll see how he shapes out. I think he's there for the long term.


Bob A. >> What are your thoughts on Jason Hogan being in Cup one day?

David Smith >> He's a good enough late model driver but he just doesn't strike me as a "can't miss guy." It seems nowadays you need to be can't miss to come out of late models. And the death of the Elite Series didn't help matters.


Jared T. >> I know he is listed as "ineligible" but do you think if Lewis Hamilton performs well in F1 that he would want to come to the U.S. and race NA$CAR?

David Smith >> Dodge should be angling to get him over here right now. He's plenty good enough, but who knows at this point?


Gerald C. >> Can we get a prediction from you fro Busch and Truck championships?

David Smith >> The team of Harvick & Peters in the RCR #21 take the team Busch title. Kvapil wins the Truck title. Carl Edwards wins the driver's title in the Busch Series...some not-so-bold predictions, but I can't see anything else happening.


Kate D. >> How many races will you make it to this year?

David Smith >> As of today, I'm at 8 total. By year's end? Probably between 90-100.


David Smith >> Alright everyone, on that note, I'll call it a night. If I didn't get to you...fear not, there will be a bunch of chats over the course of the year. Take care and be good to one another!