Sports Chat - Feb. 18, 2008

Union-Tribune sports writer Bill Center answered questions from readers during a Monday morning chat session at uniontrib.com/chat.

BillCenter(A) At Daytona, four more laps and anyone in the top 10 could have won. I do like what Toyota has done with their engines over the winter -- even in a restrictor plate race. The toyota practice times appear to be no fluke. As for Kyle, he still would hyave had to find a way to get around Tony.

redsoxrule(Q) True, but Kyle looked really good out there. I think he is going to be a real force over the next several seasons. He is pretty young and with a little experience it could get interesting. I like that he really gets in a lot of seat time in the various series.

BillCenter(A) I think Kyle Busch is an exceptional talent. Like you said, he can drive anything. But I'd like he and his brother lighten up a bit. Especially Kurt. I think some of the things they do take away from their ability. That Hendrick chose to keep Casey Mears tells you something. Still, Kyle has the talent to win a championship.

redsoxrule(Q) i didn't happen to notice how all the F-1 boys did at the end. DId they all finish in the back of the pack?

BillCenter(A) Montoya was involved in several incidents and took out at least one car. But that is Juan. He's probably as aggressive as anyone on the Sprint Cup tour. By F-1, I take that to mean open-wheel. Hornish ran better than I expected, although he did get up under Jimmie Johnson when he didn't need to and triggered Johnson's spin. Dario Franchitti didn't get much of a mention

redsoxrule(Q) thanks. Doesn't look like a lot of NASCAR fans here in SD. This is the slowest chat session I have seen.

BillCenter(A) Agreed.