Note: This is a transcript from the February 18th chat.

David Smith >> Hey everyone...sorry I'm a bit late but I'm still recovering from the most shell-shocking 500 finish ever. Let's get things started...

Ryan T. >> Good call on Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as a prospect. Do you think he could be a possible #1 prospect when Clauson and Cassill go to the Busch Series in 2008?

David Smith >> Well, like I've said before, I knew he would be this good but not this good this soon. If he continues with these high-excitement, podium finishes, then yes, he could easily be the #1 in 2008.

Lynn J. >> Hey David, love the site. Just wanted to know your thoughts on whether or not Hoosier would come back to NASCAR. There are a lot of short track racers that are big fans of Hoosier.

David Smith >> I know a handful of Cup teams tested them in the pre-season and gave feedback on the ARCA tire, but I don't know about a future in NASCAR. Goodyear has got that on lock right now. Still, Hoosier has been crucial in short track competition.

Chris B. >> You talked about Petty Enterprises possibly bringing in Chase Miller. Will they stop with him if they sign him or will they sign a bunch of development drivers like Ginn just did?

David Smith >> I think they will sign 2-3 in the next year. They want to start a Busch team and they'll need a quick replacement for Kyle Petty very soon. Robbie Loomis and Bobby Labonte could be terrific coaches in the venue of driver development. And Paul Andrews' son Tim has been steadily improving in the various touring series. He could be in consideration.

Justin S. >> Which prospect increased his stock the most this week between the World Series, ARCA, and the Busch and Truck races? And do you think that Robert Yates Racing is officially back?

David Smith >> Either B.J. McLeod or Ryan Sieg. McLeod took home two wins and Sieg earned LOTS of praise from veteran racers. Also, kudos to Marc Mitchell for putting together an incredible run in the ARCA race.

David Smith >> On the subject of RYR, they are far from back. It will all depend on how they handle the mile and a half tracks. And that will take some time. This is still very much a rebuilding year for them.

Perry T. >> Did you see Brad Daugherty on ESPN during the Busch race? He kept talking about how good Stephen Leicht is and mentioned he was a champ in the ASA, etc. I think someone is a big fan of your website because I doubt an ESPN guy would know details like that right off the bat.

David Smith >> Lol, I don't know if he's a reader or not but I have been impressed with him so far. It's good to see someone who is legitimately passionate about the sport share some knowledge. He and Tim Cowlishaw have been terrific for ESPN for thus far. And he might not be far off on Leicht, but things won't click for Leicht for a while. He has a lot of learning to do behind the wheel.

Sheila B. >> Do you think Roush will cut either Todd Kluever or Danny O’Quinn by the end of the season?

David Smith >> After talking with some insiders close to the Roush organization this weekend, it appears that Roush is merely honoring their contracts with both. I'm confident that both will be gone by year's end.

Travis K. >> Out of the guys who were in Super Late Models at the WSA, which do you think will get a NASCAR development deal?

David Smith >> McLeod deserves it the most. My money would be on Sieg. I'm not sure if any of the drivers will get one this year though.

Keith Y. >> Hey David, big fan. I heard that Ray Evernham showed up to scout at the WSA but I didn’t see him. Is that true? Were there any other teams in the house? Thanks in advance.

David Smith >> I didn't see him either but I heard the same rumor. I did see reps from Gibbs, Ginn, Yates, Haas, and Hendrick.

John T. >> Most of the late model drivers at the World Series were from Florida. Do you think it would be more beneficial to race car drivers to compete in North Carolina or do the big name local stuff?

David Smith >> It would probably be best to race near where the teams are...that's like wannabe actors moving to Hollywood. But from a competition standpoint, it's no joke in Florida. Racing against Floridians will make you a better and more physical driver.

Joshua K. >> David, I’m not sure if you know the answer to this or not but Ginn Racing put Jesus Hernandez in the WSA but not Ricky Carmichael. Since this event is in Mark Martin’s backyard, how come Carmichael didn’t make his debut this week, especially since he would have had concentrated team support?

David Smith >> I think that would have been throwing Ricky to the wolves. He's never been in a late model race and to put him in the World Series out of the gate could have been a disaster. They've invested a lot in him already, I think they're going to take their time with his cultivation.

Marc E. >> It seems like Ford’s development program has slowly dwindled in numbers and quality drivers. Do they have any plans for Bobby East and/or are they going to sign anyone else? Ricky Rudd can’t drive forever!

David Smith >> Bobby's dad works with Ford, so I don't think he'll ever lose their support; however, I don't see him getting another NASCAR opportunity. Ford's focus has been primarily on finding a great female racer to promote. If that's their agenda, then that's what it is, but they are overlooking a good number of deserving drivers.

Ryan H. >> Since Scott Bishop was “perfect” in Pro Trucks this week, do you see him becoming a Blackboard prospect?

David Smith >> He needs to move up to late models before we move him up in the rankings. He is very, very fast and his ceiling appears to be extraordinarily high but he needs to take on some better competition. He's already 16 years-old, so it's time that he hops into a heavier vehicle.

Jesse H. >> Noticed Civali’s week wasn’t that successful. Was there a reason for that?

David Smith >> He was driving the Joe Brady Racing backup car. He looked really racey in the early-goings of each race but eventually suffered mechanical problems. He was forced to pit each night and when you pit during 25- or 30-lap races, you're not going to finish well. I'm sure it's a week he would like to put behind him.

Sue S. >> How awful was the ARCA race? Both Josh Wise and Brad Coleman wrecked early—do you think their teams noticed this and put them on notice to shape up?

David Smith >> It was awful for sure. You forgot to put Tim Russell and Steve Wallace in that mix...but I don't think this is a do-or-die race. It was typical ARCA at Daytona. Although talking to Wise, Coleman, and Lagasse prior to the race probably cursed them. That's the last time I do that.

David Smith >> I'll wrap things up there...be sure to check on Tuesday for the newest Racer Efficiency Ratings.

David Smith >> Thank you to everyone who logged on hope you have a great week!