Q&A: Mears, Newman, Bowyer.

Tuesday, 21st February 2006

They may have come up a little short in NASCAR’s biggest race, but Daytona 500 runner-up Casey Mears, third place finisher Ryan Newman and top rookie Clint Bowyer still had plenty to smile (and talk) about after the race.

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MODERATOR:
We just got the final results. The 42 car is second, the 12 car is third.

RYAN NEWMAN:
Kind of knew that, but I didn't want to say anything (laughter).

CASEY MEARS:
I watched my picture go across the screen in second on the TV, and I thought maybe that was a chance.

RYAN NEWMAN:
Are you certified to say that? Maybe you're just pulling my leg or something (smiling)?

CASEY MEARS:
I think he's pretty certified.

Q.
Is it a fair statement from your perspective that if a crew chief is suspended, maybe the driver should be suspended as well in a race?

CASEY MEARS:
I don't agree with that 'cause I know that it depends. You got different levels of drivers that have different levels of involvement with their team. You got some drivers that really don't have any influence other than saying the car is tight or loose on what actually goes on the car. Sometimes they know, sometimes they don't know. I would hate personally to get penalized for something that my crew chief did that I don't even know about. So I don't know. I mean, he might have a different opinion. That's the way I look at it.

RYAN NEWMAN:
Some drivers know what's going on with the car as far as what the crew chief's initiatives are. Some drivers don't have a clue. I totally agree with what Casey is saying.

I think the point that should be driven home is if we have repeat offenders or the situation happens time and time again with a certain individual, there's something more that should be done other than suspension. You know, that's I think important to the sport.

Q.
Even though you're disappointed with the third place finish, Ryan, still your best finish here in the 500. Talk about how this jump starts your year. How big would it have been to get one for Roger here at Daytona?

RYAN NEWMAN:
As I said earlier, it's a great run for the Alltel Dodge. It's a definite booster for the start of the season. Just as we went into the 500 at ground zero, it was another situation going into California where, you know, just because we're third now, we can come out of California 33rd in points. I mean, it's just a situation where you try to make the best of it. As soon as I walk out of this media centre, the uniform and everything else comes off, we're already focusing on California.