Note: This is the transcript of the April 1st All Access Chat

David Smith >> Hey everyone, I'm here. We've got a bunch of questions in already, so let's get started!


Perry T. >> What are the chances that ASA winner Derek Thorn gets on the Blackboard?

David Smith >> Just looking up and down the board, there are several strong drivers. It's going to take a spectacular season (read: lots of wins) for Thorn to be considered. He's a three-star right now, so he's pretty well ranked right now as it is.


Kiel A. >> Why no coverage of the Grand National West race in Texas this weekend?

David Smith >> We just had some bigger races this weekend in the USAR and ASA. I talked earlier today with Marc Davis's dad, Harry and he said that the only goal for them this weekend was to finish so he would get approval to run Phoenix. As it turns out, it was a typical GN West race...Lynch, David, and Duncan all running up front. Since it was such a lackadaisical race, we decided to turn focus elsewhere.


John T. >> What has Ryan Lawler done to get him ranked 22nd on the Blackboard?

David Smith >> Well a lot of it is indicative of his PASS performance all last year. While his ASA venture hasn't been strong, his test sessions have been solid and teams are taking notice, especially since the Texan is spending a lot of time in the Mooresville area.


Shelia B. >> Who do you see Roush signing it they do let go of both O'Quinn and Kluever at the end of the year?

David Smith >> I don't know. Since they have to cut a team by 2010, a wrench has been thrown into their development plans. I know for a fact they've had their eye on several young drivers but whether or not they are willing to make a move on one remains to be seen.


Jimmy I. >> Is it safe to say that Erin Crocker won't make it to the Cup level now? And how does Brady Bacon run for Kasey Kahne in USAC but is signed with Ganassi's development program?

David Smith >> I think her chances at Cup are pretty much over. As for Brady, Ganassi struck a deal with KKR to have him in their open-wheel stuff. The Mopar teams look out for one another.


Janice E. >> Will Woody Howard sign with anyone? I'm a Gibbs fan and I hate that we let him go!

David Smith >> After the show he put on this weekend, it's hard to believe that he is no longer with JGR. He's certainly good enough to warrant a position with a development program, he just needs to align with the right team. If Gibbs had any scouts in the stands at South Georgia, they were probably kicking themselves.


Ryan H. >> Hey David, I know you don't list him anymore, but how would you evaluate Jon Wood's year so far?

David Smith >> Well, Bristol wasn't good for him. I thought that the addition of Scott Zipadelli would allow him to improve, but I haven't seen much of a change. If he's going to be the main driver for the #21, he is going to make some dramatic strides.


Matt L. >> Have you heard whether or not Roush will hold another Gong Show?

David Smith >> I think they are done doing that for a while.


Jerimy S. >> Who's stock has risen the most since the beginning of the season?

David Smith >> It would have to be either Ambrose, Kinser, or Fike in the Truck Series. Matt Hawkins, James Buescher, and probably Daren Hagen have been climbing the ladder most in other series.


Jesse H. >> David, when are we going to see your #2 truck prospect, Josh Wise, in a truck?

David Smith >> Either Kansas or Mansfield. Right now, he's going through an approval process with NASCAR but once he completes it, he'll be ready. Lord knows that team is ready because A.J. Allmendinger's awfulness has really shone through in the #00 truck.


C.J. W. >> You've written that Ginn Racing is the most logical destination for development drivers right now, which I agree. But could you make the case for Michael Waltrip Racing? All three of their drivers are struggling.

David Smith >> Yes. Actually, you could make the case for the entire Toyota contingency. Things are bad right now and you know that there will be at least one driver change before '08. Their equipment will improve...and so will their driver roster.


Rod S. >> First of all David, thank you for all that you do for short track racers...what are your thoughts on NASCAR teams taking money to run "development" drivers?

David Smith >> Well, obviously I hate it because I believe that talent should always win out. I understand that teams need funding to run in NASCAR but this is a pretty pathetic practice in my opinion. The fact that Pete Shepherd has been benched in favor of T.J. Bell (who came with money) is ridiculous.


Jenny C. >> A couple of top-five finishers in Pro Cup, Chase Pistone and Shelby Howard, are absent from your board. What do you think of them? Has Shelby already gotten his one chance?

David Smith >> I'm honestly not sure. Neither of the two have a signature win to bank on and at this point, everybody has heard of them. I won't disagree that they looked damn good at South Georgia but it might be tough for the both of them to get deals at this point.


David Smith >> Alright, everybody. Thanks for the questions and for logging on. Have a good rest of the evening!