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June 14, 2007
Silly Season is in full swing, but is there a lack of up and coming drivers?
Silly Season started fairly early this year with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s announcement. We all know where he's going and we are pretty sure where Kyle Busch will end up, but what of other seats that may need to be filled?
There is a lack of up and coming drivers in the Busch and Craftsman Truck Series that will be ready in a year or two to make the move to the Cup Series. The Craftsman Truck Series barely sends anyone home on any given weekend, the Busch Series has had trouble filling the 43 slots each week and that's with having almost half the field being Cup drivers at times.
We've all heard that J.J. Yeley's ride at JGR is in jeopardy, we've heard that RCR might be planning on adding a fourth car next year, Penske may add a third car in 2009 and what about the Toyota drivers, I'm sure some of their rides are in jeopardy too. In fact Waltrip is stepping out of the car and allowing Terry Labonte to race the car for the road courses, to help them.
Who is going to be there to fill those seats? There's not a lot of young guys out there that are ready for the move, so where do they get the drivers? Do they go to ARCA, pick a talent from there and hope for the best? I don't think many teams even have developmental drivers that are close to being ready either, so that makes it harder to get that perfect fit of driver and team.
It used to be that a driver worked his way up, Truck, Busch and then Cup, but now you don't have the same atmosphere in either of the lower series for that to happen and that puts us in the situation we see today, there could be lots of rides available and not enough talent to fill them.
Your thoughts?
June 14, 2007 in NASCAR | Permalink
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Comments
Ladies and gentemen all of you are so right Nascar has changed since Nextel bought it. Take me back to the Winston Cup. These young kids have not paid the price whether it be behind the wheel or in the pits. Nascar is a corporate company and you must develop talent from within your family and they dont seem to get this. I am 43 when i was in my twenty's I thought the world owed me and I was so wrong. You have to pay your dues and the heiarchy of Smelltell dont get it. I hope the big boys of Nascar read these blogs maybe they will get some better ideas of how to turn around a slumping company. And why is nascar nation supporting these Indy drivers to come to nascar I read Dan weldon has told Nascar can they set him up to drive in Nascar!!! Goes back to what this whole talk is about develop american drivers that we the fans can support and cheer for. Sorry for getting on a tangent but congrats you got my blood hot and i had to respond.
Posted by: Barkat | Jun 30, 2007 10:08:08 AM
There are two many cup drivers driving
in the Bush and this prevents the young
drivers from getting the experience they
so desperately need. NASCAR likes it this
way, because it's a money maker for them.
With the big name cup drivers, driving in
the Bush, more tickets are sold and more
money coming in for NASCAR.
Posted by: Dottie | Jun 23, 2007 5:08:27 PM
Dale Jr. is going to be just fine with
HMS, he couldn't have gone to a more
classy organization then HMS. At least,
he will have a chance to win races and
hopefully a championship. He will have
the same equipment that the other drivers
have and the opportunity to show what he
can do. Kyle Busch is a great driver and
I hope HMS hasn't made a mistake by letting
him go. Casey Mears is not the driver that
Kyle is and HMS should have released him
instead of Kyle. Casey Mears will never be
the driver Kyle Busch is.
Posted by: Ellen | Jun 23, 2007 4:56:19 PM
Speaking of Silly Season being in full swing, it's getting downright hilarious - click on my name on this particular post for more NASCAR rumors.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 23, 2007 3:35:49 PM
DLA,
My point was why in the hell did you post that long article in this comment section? You could have easily posted the link to it. :)
Posted by: Jon | Jun 17, 2007 11:01:42 AM
WEll since we had the whole Jeff interview posted , for some reason on the depleting # of drivers. I will go back to the subject.
Guess Yates will move Leicht up next year since he won a race.That was a joke but unfortunately the truth. RYR is hurting bad, and moved Gilliland up to early.
Least it wasnt the Prelude to the Cup race at Kentucky
Posted by: KURT2 | Jun 17, 2007 10:11:00 AM
Jon,
Sorry you don't care for it. But, let me take a quote from what you said at the end of your post: 'Many of us couldn't care less.....'
back at ya' Jon.... ;-)
Posted by: DLA | Jun 17, 2007 8:54:41 AM
DLA,
Why did you put that on here, you could have at least paraphrased what he said. You may be interested in what he has to say, but many of us couldn't care less.
Posted by: Jon | Jun 17, 2007 8:38:56 AM
The following is an interview with Jeff Gordon and remarks from Jeff Gordon himself:
6/15/07 7:42am
'After Qualifying 6th Jeff talks with media about Dale Jr. joining Hendrick, Jeff's impending fatherhood and road course racing'
{Behind the Hauler Chat Citizens Bank 400, Michigan International Speedway}
'JEFF TALKED WITH MEDIA ABOUT DALE EARNHARDT JR JOINING HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS, HIS IMPENDING FATHERHOOD, AND ROAD COURSE RACING AT SONOMA ON DALE EARNHARDT JR JOINING HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS':
"I'm excited. I hate that we haven't been able to say anything or to talk about it. I tried not to get too involved with it because we're obviously focused here to drive this DuPont Chevrolet and win this championship this year. But just knowing behind the scenes, things that have been going on, it's been very exciting and I'm happy for Junior and for Hendrick Motorsports. I think he's a great talent and he obviously brings a lot to the table besides just his talent and I think it's a great opportunity for him as well. I'm looking forward to having him as a teammate. It doesn't mean that I expect people to not continue to boo me in full force, but I think it's going to be pretty cool to see him out there in the type of equipment I think we're capable of giving him."
WHEN RICK HENDRICK SPOKE TO YOU ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY OF HAVING JUNIOR JOIN THE ORGANIZATION, HOW DID THAT CONVERSATION GO?
"I think it was an opportunity of a lifetime that's only going to come around once however many years in this sport and how could you not consider it? I think the toughest part through it all was Rick trying to put his hands around it because it's been a real challenge. It's like on one side it's something very exciting and a great opportunity. He's had a great relationship with Junior and his family for a number of years. And Ricky's involvement and his relationship with Junior goes way back, so there's some history there. But trying to figure out what to do because you've got existing sponsors and drivers and everything else. From the beginning, actually Rick thought it would be great, but it's just not going to be possible. And then along the way, things transpired that made it a potential possibility and as time went by, made it a reality."
SOME PEOPLE SAY THIS IS THE DREAM TEAM. DO YOU VIEW IT THAT WAY?
"Oh, well I felt that way before Junior was coming. I feel like we have a great organization. I will put this on the record: I'm pretty sure this will be the last person he ever drives for, because I know what kind of person Rick Hendrick is and what kind of organization we have and once you come here, you don't want to go anywhere else. It's just that good of an organization and that good of people. I think that he's making a great move and I think he's going to be extremely happy with it. He's not making this just for financial reasons. He's making for this for how to be treated and how to be competitive and for his future and I think its' a great move."
WERE YOU SURPRISED THAT IT ALL WORKED OUT?
"Yes and no. I think that where there's a will, there's a way. There were a lot of different scenarios that were being played out where maybe he did something else for a year or two you know before he could come there. I didn't think that was going to be something that Junior was going to be interested in. And we have a great driver line-up with Kyle (Busch) who is extremely talented. And I think we pretty much knew that me and Jimmie (Johnson) weren't going anywhere and Casey (Mears) is new to the team and we need to give him a shot. I know it was a very difficult thing to make those decisions. But the way I heard it played out was fairly mutual. And I think that really, this is going to be best for Hendrick and for Kyle. I think that Kyle is a tremendous talent but the chemistry never seemed to be there at Hendrick and he's just had to fight through some things. I'm excited to see how he pulls himself together through the rest of this year because I think he's got a lot to offer to teams out there. I think he's actually going to find out that when he makes this move and goes forward that he's actually happier with himself and is more comfortable with wherever he goes."
WILL TONY EURY JR COME OVER TO BE DALE JR'S CREW CHIEF OR WILL IT BE ALAN GUSTAFSON OR WHO?
"That's not anything that we're really ready to discuss. I'm going to give Rick my best advice that I possibly can from the 15 years that I've been there. He and that team are going to make that decision. The goal is to get the best people and the best team in place to support Junior and give him what he needs. That's the bottom line."
HOW WILL DALE JR'S PERSONALITY FIT WITH THE HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS GROUP?
"I love the differences in personalities on a race team. You don't expect everyone to be the same but I think it's all about how you communicate. I'm just thinking of it from a teammate standpoint. I look at Casey and Jimmie and myself and I think about Junior in the future and I think as long as he's committed, which I think he is or he wouldn't have made this bold of a move, that we're going to be able to communicate and get along well. Every driver has a different style and a different personality and you've got to mesh those together and we've done an excellent job with it over the years. But I really think he's going to fit in well."
HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO JUNIOR AND IF SO, WHAT DID YOU SAY?
"I spoke to him before the final decisions were made and just told him that we'd love to have him and how our organization works and that I think that could be a very good move for him. And he seemed to be pretty excited. He was like a nervous little kid. It was really strange to see him in that situation because you know, here you've got all these teams and sponsors and everything else wanted him to sign with them and it seemed like he was the one that was kind of shy and stand-offish about the whole thing. That's why he's going to fit in so well because he's very humble and appreciative and excited. He's not this guy who's got this big ego and that just feels like he's going to come in and take over the place. He wants to come in and fit. So I was kind of feeling where he was coming from and I think he wanted to see how I felt about being teammates and I was supportive of it from the beginning."
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME DALE JR HAS BEEN OUTSIDE OF A FAMILY ORGANIZATION. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR HIM AS HIS OWN MAN TO GO OUT THERE AND WORK FOR SOMEBODY ELSE?
"Well, I think he said it in the press conference that's he's kind of had it easy. He's been able to kind of come and go and do what he pleases there at DEI. And to an extent, we want him to be comfortable with being at Hendrick, but at the same time there are certain stipulations and guidelines that we all live under - whether it be team meetings and just being professional and I think that he wants to be here and he's going to do a great job."
SO WILL YOU GET INVITATIONS TO CLUB E JR NOW?
"I've been to Club E before. I've only gotten maybe one invite. I went up and did his radio show last year. I love to see how he lives. Because I think the perception from the outside that a lot people have about all of us is one that comes from behind the camera that you don't really get to see and touch and feel. And when you go there and you experience it, it's really cool to see a guy in his position that seems to have the world in the palm of his hand who is just very down to earth and humble and who is just a good guy who enjoys life. I think that most of us have that in us when you go to our homes and see us in our own comfortable atmosphere."
DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE, DALE JUNIOR SEEMED TO BE KEEPING THAT MINI RIVALRY GOING BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU
"Yeah, I'm confused why people think that's going to stop because we're teammates. You know, Jimmie Johnson and I are very competitive with one another but we're good friends. We have a lot of respect for one another. We showed at Martinsville and at other times this year and several years that we know what kind of equipment we have and that gathering information and sharing information is to benefit all of us. But when it comes down to the race and who is going to win, we want it really, really bad. And we're willing to trade a little paint for that. Nothing's going to change with Dale Earnhardt Jr. coming to our organization either. The bottom line is that it's going to come down to this: The fans right now can speculate and say what they want and say oh, we're not going to pull for him now because he's at Hendrick or we'll still be committed to him; or say I hope Jeff Gordon doesn't think he's going to gain us as fans. The bottom line is this: When he goes out there and he starts being competitive week in and week out on a consistent basis and battling for championships and hopefully one day wins the championship for Hendrick Motorsports, all the fans are going to be following him and they're still going to be booing me (laughs)."
WHEN BRIAN VICKERS WAS GOING TO LEAVE HMS, HE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN TEAM MEETINGS. WITH KYLE BUSCH MOVING ON, AT WHAT POINT WOULD YOU PREFER HE NOT BE INVOLVED IN YOUR TEAM MEETINGS?
"I think it just all depends on how you handle things. Brian had a computer that he had stuff loaded into. I think that you've got to be careful in letting too much out. If we come across something new that we're going to be taking to the next season, then that might be a decision that's made. It's all about how Kyle wants to handle things. I think he's done a great job in handling things. If he continues to handle himself the way he is today, then we're going to do our best to continue to give him the opportunity to win races and championships and try to get the same information we've been getting out of him to help ourselves as well. There may be a point somewhere further on down the road where we do have to, at certain times, pull him aside from some of our meetings. But that's a standard deal. That's going to happen. It did happen with Brian and it could happen with Kyle. We'll just have to wait and see."
CAN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW GREAT YOUR SEASON HAS BEEN?
"It's just been an incredible year. We have such a great team and we're having a lot of fun. We're going to the race track and we're competitive and all the guys are together. The chemistry is there and it's obvious. We're having a blast. I look forward to going to every race track - especially this one (MIS). It's one of my favorites. I hope we can keep it going this weekend."
WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR HAND?
"You know, I've got like poison oak or ivy or something so I'm just trying to keep it covered up so it doesn't spread."
HAVE YOU AND INGRID BEEN TO THE DOCTOR? DO YOU HAVE A BETTER FEEL FOR HOW NEXT WEEK IS GOING TO PLAY OUT?
"Yeah, it seems like at this stage it's a day to day thing. Next Tuesday we've got some tests and different meetings going on, so we're kind of waiting in the wings to see what's going to happen - whether we want to induce (labor) or whether we want to wait it out. So we'll all know a lot more next week."
DO YOU HAVE TO PAINT NURSERIES LIKE THE REST OF US POOR SLOBS? AND DO YOU HAVE A SPONSORSHIP FOR A GO-KART FOR THAT KID?
"I do have to get comfortable with pink (laughter). I've had to succumb to lots of pink being around. But I haven't had to do any painting myself, fortunately. But we are definitely in full nursery mode. What I have had to do is assemble a lot of things that I never thought I'd be assembling like -- whether it's a stroller or whether it's a crib or I don't know what they call them - those bouncy things. I'm reading directions left and right. No go-karts. We've got a little car, but not a go-kart."
BUT YOU ARE READING DIRECTIONS? YOU'RE NOT LIKE THE REST OF US WHO FIGURED WE COULD DO IT OURSELVES?
"I didn't say I started reading the directions. I normally start putting it together and then figure out what I did wrong by going back and reading the directions. I'm just like all the other guys."
WHAT ABOUT PICTURES? EVERYBODY IS GOING TO WANT TO SEE A PICTURE OF THIS BABY. IS IT GOING TO BE RELEASED TO ONE PUBLICATION?
"Probably not immediately. But http://www.jeffgordon.com is going to lead the way on the announcement on pictures and things like that. But you know we want to enjoy this moment as much as we can and we're not focused on what kind of media blitz it's going to be. We're more focused on just enjoying being parents. So let's get to that point. But I can guarantee you the first stuff will come out on http://www.jeffgordon.com . We've been telling the fans that. As soon as it happens - within probably the next hour or two after that, the first people to know will be on the website."
HOW MUCH TIME WILL YOU TAKE OFF?
"It depends on when the baby is born. If the baby is born on a Wednesday, then it'll be a day and a half. If the baby is born on a Friday or a Saturday, then that could change things."
WHAT ABOUT IF IT HAPPENS ON LAP 40?
"Lap 40? I'm going to see her when I get home. There's not a lot I can do about that. Let's hope that doesn't happen."
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT RACING THE NEW GENERATION RACE CAR AT SONOMA?
"I'm looking forward to it. We tested up at VIR and I feel like we've got a good race car and I'm excited about it."
IS MONTOYA A THREAT?
"Absolutely. I think he is. I think the Penske cars are going to be tough because they really got their road course program down last year and the Gibbs cars will be tough. I think you're really going to have to look at Montoya as being a factor."
HOW BIG A STEP IS IT FROM WINNING A BUSCH ROAD COURSE RACE IN MEXICO TO CONTENDING AT A CUP RACE AT INFINEON? IS THAT A BIG LEAP?
"Oh, I don't think there is any comparison. It was pretty obvious that they had the cars to beat in Mexico because he and Scott Pruitt were very strong. Beating Scott Pruitt is not an easy thing. He's tough. But the competition is just so much tougher in the Cup series. That's going to be the biggest change. And with the car of tomorrow, everybody is pretty equal."
CAN YOU TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR WINE IN THE NAPA VALLEY?
"Ah, you know what? Because of all the baby stuff that's going on, my schedule is going to be around what's happening with the baby. I've really tried to take a lot of things off the schedule. I have one DuPont appearance that is at a vineyard and I hope I get a chance to go by Jeff Gordon Cellars. We'll see. I try to get there as often as I can when I'm out there, but with everything going on with the baby, it's hard to say.
"I like wine and I grew up in that area. A good friend of mine, Ron Miller, is just a wine connoisseur and he and I talked years ago about possibly doing a wine one day. It finally came about where we had enough research and felt like you know, let's do a small quantity and high quality and we were able to pull it off. It's been fun. I really look forward to some day being more involved and being able to do more with it. It's been a blast. I don't have enough time to really get into the really fine details of it. But when you get to see that bottle and you open it up and you taste it and you like what you taste, that's something I'm really proud of."
DO YOU THINK RICK HENDRICK WILL GET YOU GUYS TOGETHER FOR A COOKOUT OR SOMETHING?
"I want to go fishing. These days it seems like the best way to get all of us together and do something that Rick loves to do and get away. And he's been really stressed out through all this. It has not been an easy task to pull this off. I think the best thing for us to do is to get away and go do a little fishing trip."
AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, RICK HENDRICK TALKED ABOUT BEING UNDER A LOT OF PRESSURE
"Well, yeah. This is one of the biggest things I've seen come along in this sport in the 15 years I've been a part of it. And to see a guy who has been the most popular guy, decide to become a free agent; and what was up for grabs as far as his opportunities and to be able to pull that off - whoever pulled that off is going to feel extreme pressure. And as good as our organization is, I think you still feel pressure. The good thing is that pressure is a part of what we do. It's there every weekend. Junior is going to have pressure. The team is going to have pressure and the team is going to have pressure. I think Rick feels that pressure even with our team and Jimmie's team to try to defend a championship and to continue to put winning cars out there. This just took it to another level because of the attention it was getting."
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT RACING ON FATHER'S DAY?
"Father's Day this year has a whole new meaning to it. Just knowing how close we are and how excited I am about being a father. I have a greater appreciation for mothers and fathers and what it takes to get to this point. I can't imagine what it's going to be like next year when I actually am a father."
THERE WERE RUMORS ABOUT YOU AND A PLANE CRASH LAST WEEK. WAS THERE A PROBLEM WITH YOUR PLANE?
"I started getting lit up on my phone. And I didn't know what was going on. So I called my office and talked to my dad and he told me what had happened. It was a sensor that malfunctioned. It's actually happened before so it didn't surprise me - not on this plane, but on other planes I've had. This is a fairly new plane that I have, but it's happened on other planes. The thing is, if my tail number was not 24JG, you guys would never have thought twice about it. But the fact that it's 24JG gets people's attention. The other thing is that my plane is in a management system. So other people fly in my plane. So it's not just exclusive to me. But the fact that that happened, was unfortunate because it got a lot of people scared and nervous. The good thing is that people who are close to me know I wasn't flying that day. So they knew it wasn't me. They didn't know if the plane was flying, they just knew I wasn't on it and they were comforted to know that nothing happened to the plane or to anybody else - especially me."
Posted by: DLA24 | Jun 17, 2007 4:54:25 AM
kurt2,
take your comments to ironman. You read a copy of what I posted from ironman's comments. As for you, ironman, I'm YET to here an intelligent response....
Posted by: DLA | Jun 17, 2007 2:57:51 AM
Sorry 'bout the typo Mike
Posted by: Fan #5 | Jun 16, 2007 10:30:43 PM
I'll admit Daley IS old school...sometimes obtuse...but STILL reminds us of the stuff we forgot!
Posted by: Fan #5 | Jun 16, 2007 10:29:21 PM
DLA,
Just one ?, why in the world would anyone posess Elliot Sadler items? Do you have Mayfield things as well? Sorry , Elliot and Hermie need to be in stock cars , just as i need to take Chad K's place on the pit box.
Ironman, we always dont agree(respect meant) but you do in fact back your statements up with facts, which you always show in the blog. Only point you lost me on is Daly, whom doesnt chime in till we reach the COT.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jun 16, 2007 8:30:55 PM
Idiotic, punk trash talk. Wow. Ignorant? Yeah, check your spelling errors, by the way.
I made the comments about Mandy24 after she made a comment about me in an earlier post about Dale Jr. going to Hendrick, I believe. I 'll have to go check the other blog.
Unlike a lot of posters on here, I can back up my opinion pretty well. Jon usually does a pretty solid job of backing up himself, as does Mike Daly. Mike's been around for a long time, unlike a lot of the newbies on here, and he knows what he's talking about. No, I don't always agree with him, but I think he backs up his arguments with solid facts. For that matter, so do I.
Ironman
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 16, 2007 7:16:25 PM
Elfiero,
Yeah its unreal what guys have $$$ in dirt late models in the Midwest. And lets forget the haulers and trailers these have! To win what $800-1200 if their lucky a nite!
My buddy just ran against the late model outlaw guys, he ran hard and with them, but just can't afford a new set of tires for every 2-3rd heat race. The local lil guy’s sponsors are the back bone of weekend racing plus lots of friends/fans who love it. Donny S with family money is the last guy from these parts to get into the WOL sprints.
Posted by: aggie | Jun 16, 2007 12:32:05 PM
Elfiero,
You are right, it is alot about being aty the right place at the right time nowadays in auto racing and I am sure there are hundreds of drivers that would love to get a shot at where J.J, JG and the upper tier teams in NASCAR.
Posted by: Jon | Jun 16, 2007 10:59:33 AM
You guys are right, the talent pool is very thin at best! I think you need to go back one step futher as to the cause though. Today, it costs 75-100k per year to run a saturday night latemodel- not including damage or blown engines!! How many super drivers out there never even get the chance to show what they can do? I think I know what I'm talking about, I ran against "chads dad", JohnnyB., Dick T., and all the rest of them in the upper midwest in the '80s&'90s. The reason I never "made it" was I couldn't afford the unlimited supply of engines and tires they could. You guys that weren't there cannot appreciate the level of talent that would show up for the average Artgo show at the dells or Rockford!- 60 or 70 cars for a 36 car field with ALL of them within 2 or 3 tenths!! Nowdays, there is only a few guys with pockets deep enough to get enough seat time so that they can even be considered for a CTS or ARCA ride...And haveing enough money sure doesn't mean your're the best driver out there. Towards the end of my ASA days, I actually ran a couple races with JJ- and I'll say he's ok, but if he ever loses Chad, he's gonna be screwed bigtime! Personally, I feel there is much better talent out there at most noname short tracks than in the back half of the cup field- and thats very sad......
Posted by: elfiero | Jun 16, 2007 9:53:38 AM
'I'M WAITING........SLICK!!' (IRONMAN)
PS.(my apologies for the spelling errors folks!"
Posted by: DLA | Jun 16, 2007 5:35:48 AM
OK Ironman,
Just to keep you informed, my father is a 'HUGE' Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan and supporter. My sister, who lives in Manhatten and is one of the main writer's for Hearst Publishing, is a Dale Jr. fan. Of course, you know me as 'another JG fan.' Ironman, you and I, had a decent talk about Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon not long ago. Now, I see this kind of trash talk coming out of your mouth....... I take that back......'Hatred talk.' Here is a copy of what you posted to 'Mandy24':
{"I think Mandy24 must have fallen and hit her head when she decided to root for Jeffy."}
Obviously, this kind of thinking and talk makes you feel 'confident', 'strong', and 'invisible.' Do you feel inferior for some idiotic reasoning???
Bottom line Ironman.......Time will tell!!!! We shall see what the hell will take place....right?? Let me guess............you're going to respond in a negative way like a 12 yr. old punk right??? Of course......OK IRONMAN, BRING IT!!! LET'S HERE YOU'RE 12 YR. OLD, SCHOOL KID RESPONSE....
Posted by: dla | Jun 16, 2007 1:26:57 AM
Posted by: dla | Jun 16, 2007 4:48:06 AM
(self-explanatory) {READ BELOW!}
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 15, 2007 7:55:05 PM
wyldeone,
I couldn't agree more with you about Gordon fans. I think Mandy24 must have fallen and hit her head when she decided to root for Jeffy. He and JJ have about as stiff a personality as a fucking mannequin. As for a lot of Junior fans, yeah, there are a lot of bandwagon, ignorant Junior fans out there who only root for him because of his exposure and popularity. Sure, his stats help, but I agree with you that he might be in the Kyle Petty category if not for some significant wins in his career. I am a HUGE Dale Sr. fan and I still buy up as much Dale Earnhardt stuff as I can. He will forever be my favorite driver. I don't only root for Junior because he's an Earnhardt; it's because he wanted to be HIMSELF, and NOT his dad. Junior has never changed, just like his dad. He has not forgotten where he came from. My wife and I root for our drivers because we like them as PEOPLE, not for their wins. That's why we have Elliott Sadler stuff with #21, #38, and #19!!!
Ironman
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 15, 2007 7:55:05 PM
Posted by: dla | Jun 16, 2007 4:42:40 AM
I can think of one driver that already has a good size fan base and is a pretty marketable guy, has a good amount of cup experience and is a pretty good driver.
Boris Said
The guy is just so dang cool.
Posted by: another joe | Jun 16, 2007 2:59:31 AM
This is years of Buschwacking and Truckwacking coming home to roost - they were too obsessed with supposedly quick easy marketing bucks that they wound up destroying the foundation for new drivers to come into the sport. The sport has to stop thinking about quick bucks and think EXCLUSIVELY about the long-term.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 16, 2007 1:02:08 AM
Speaking of old guys and lack of talent and fans favs.....GO BE GO, good to see BE in the race
21 21 Bill Elliott Ford 38.863 185.266
Posted by: aggie | Jun 15, 2007 10:45:35 PM
Yes they need driving talent, now don't try to convince me or anyone else than on the short tracks there isn't any talent, it's just like the music business, for everyone that gets the break, there are 100 as good that don't make it.
Now add to that in todays NASCAR, talent only counts for 1/3, they also need the look, and the ability to sell.
The next greatest driver in the world isn't going to be given a ride if he's ugly
Posted by: DonB | Jun 15, 2007 9:12:38 PM
There are drivers that could fill the spots but they just are not the young, hip, attractive type the sponsors are looking for. Craven, Benson, Andretti, Hamilton Jr., T. Bodine, M. Wallace, Skinner, Park, D. Green, Lajoie, Keller, just to name a few. They may not be the best drivers in the world but with good equipment who knows what could happen.
Posted by: gray | Jun 15, 2007 9:07:17 PM
anonymouse...nice spelling...JJ is Jimmie Johnson NOT yeley... but since yer not over the wall it'd be hard to destiguish
Posted by: Voda Fan #5 | Jun 15, 2007 3:19:06 PM
Hey Kathy,
Based on what I've seen on and off the track, these driver's need time to grow up as people.
The sport has come out of the "moonshine", into the sunshine of big dollar sponsors and advertising budgets. It appears that the job of being a Nascar Driver extends out of the seat.
If a person has driving talent, it would not go away after a couple years in school.
Posted by: Larry | Jun 15, 2007 2:59:36 PM
The British soccer EPL way might not be a bad idea. The top real 5 nbs teams move up to cup, bottom 3-5-7 cup teams cup teams go to down to nbs. $$$ unfortunately runs nascash as guys call it here so this might not work. They will have to look at other leagues and sports if they are going to correct the problem.
Posted by: aggie | Jun 15, 2007 12:56:34 PM
Kathy,
I agree that drivers need more time to develop in Busch but every Cup car owner is looking for the next big thing that can win races in Cup immediately like Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson in 2002, Kyle Busch in 2005, and Denny Hamlin last year. When a young guy wins in Busch someone is going to put him in a Cup ride, that's just the way things have been working lately. Let's wait and see which young gun is the next to win a Busch race and see how long it takes them to end up in a full-time Cup ride.
Posted by: stricklinfan82 | Jun 15, 2007 12:40:42 PM
It is all about money, the sponsers want a young good looking guy who can speak in front of the camera and sell their product.
The older drivers I beleive are tired of the situation and do not want to play ball anymore.
Posted by: FanofBill#9 | Jun 15, 2007 12:34:22 PM
The talent pool is depleted
It truly is and many people don’t see this I think. When you have to drag a guy out like BE just so you can get a car in a race is ????? stupid. The cup guys going down to NBS the way they do is just ?????? stupid again. It’s a practice with cash prizes LOL after!! Other sports just laugh when they see a guy like CE leading that NBS. How many K’s would Rodger C have if he pitched IN AA and AAA ball, or Woods playing at pro am tournaments???
Posted by: aggie | Jun 15, 2007 12:18:54 PM
"Who cares?," Is my response. Seems to be a plethora of unsatisfied veterans available.
Posted by: Keith | Jun 15, 2007 12:05:55 PM
I believe this is the only sport that allows it's senior varsity (Cup Drivers) to participate full time in the junior varsity Busch Series). The reason there's a dearth of up and coming talent is because the venue where the up and risers should be able to shine and hone their skills is dominated by the senior varsity.
Thus, fewer potential CUP drivers are able to gain the skills that will vault them into the big leagues.
I've followed the sport for ten years, and I can't recall the number of older drivers being asked to reconsider their retirement in order to drive for teams that don't have or can't find the talent.
NASCAR in some ways is messing with it's future as a result of it's policies regarding the Busch Series.
Posted by: Jon2 | Jun 15, 2007 11:41:39 AM
Kurt:
not a sponsor friendly person.
Good point as I think so much now even the upcoming deals and driver changes were going to see for 08 i think are A: done deals already or planned out a year or more In advance around a given sponsor and B: deals done with sponsor friendly people and deals done to fit a demo for the sponsors marketing plans and the drivers/team personality. The branding and how people feel after they see a, JR-bud, or JB-insurance co or KK-dodge commercial on tv is what all sponsors what……its that feeling good and yeah id like to have that guy right now in my house!! Even if fans don’t like KK they remember him and the cute girls teasing him in that commercial .
A driver getting bumped like KB might have been a wrong guy at the wrong place and there at the wrong time and now that he wants to get into the upper echelon the right sponser and product tie might get harder to find.
Posted by: aggie | Jun 15, 2007 11:29:37 AM
Anon:
Point is you dont have JJ, nor many whom can work on a race car these days.Not just because so many mechanics. Lets see 2 who can Tony S and Ryan. Its a lost trade now.
FAN5 that was a great ref, back in ASA you had no choice but to help out).
The talent pool is depleted. You do in fact have talent out there but its thrown into Cup too soon or not a sponsor friendly person.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jun 15, 2007 10:55:23 AM
I guess I don't understand the question:
Denny Hamlin is in line to win the cup this year. Truex and Boyer are in the Chase.
Are these guys grizzled old veterans?
What age do drivers no longer qualify for "Up and Coming"? I'm guessing 19, by the question. Personally, I'm enjoying the races by Danny O'Quinn Jr. He doesn't have a contract but it ready to drive anything in any race. Look around. They're there.
Great way to make controversy out of nothing.
Posted by: buddynoel | Jun 15, 2007 10:44:07 AM
The 'Up and coming" driver is a thing of the past. They don't stay in any of the lower series long enough to even be considered as such. Look at David Gilliland, he was an unknown in the Busch series, he wins one race and BAM, he's in the #38 cup car. With all these cup team owners robbing the cradle for drivers, how on earth can there ever be any "up and coming" talent?
Posted by: Bill | Jun 15, 2007 9:45:30 AM
That was to Kurt2, not Fan #5
typo.
Posted by: anonymouse | Jun 15, 2007 9:20:01 AM
Fan #5
You say today's drivers couldn't work on their cars. JJ (Johnson, not Yeley) spent many hours side by side with Ron Malec building/ refitting his ASA cars. He also had worked hours on his stadium trucks. Did you think he just showed up, got in the ride and drove? Where were you? He may not do it now, but then HMS has no shortage of mechanics, either.
Posted by: anonymouse | Jun 15, 2007 9:15:46 AM
And who's your source mackie? Everything I've heard is Kyle is going to DEI and Newman's not going anywhere.
Posted by: Kathy | Jun 15, 2007 8:09:37 AM
LOL also, Guarino :) ANYBODY can drive better than MW. LOL Fred, too--there'd be more opportunities for the young guys if the Busch series wasn't Cup "lite". There was a guy in ARCA a couple of seasons ago that Roush was supposedly watching, Bubba Pollard--don't know what happened to him (?). It's sponsor pressure that creates so much of what's going on in the sport now--they want somebody who will sell, sell and sell some more.
Posted by: SneakyPete | Jun 15, 2007 7:07:42 AM
guarino (63) you and James Hylton(73) could grab your age for numbers and you 2 could make a great 2 car team and probably drive better than MW as you claim lol.
Posted by: aggie | Jun 15, 2007 1:11:06 AM
The whole nbs and cts and the guys coming to run with the Busch guys is another ???? thing about NASCAR. Don’t most fans just look at it as a pay to see practice session. The trucks are exciting to me to watch. I think right now it’s a transitional time for those 2 series . NASCAR might have to maybe look other leagues like baseball or hockey who have farm teams for some answers. Or supporting/paying for a cts or nbs team just becomes part or added onto the cost of the big NASCAR teams. Sounds like to be an independent at this level it's probably impossible to survive.
Posted by: aggie | Jun 15, 2007 1:04:10 AM
kyle bush going to penske and newman going to dei
a source tells me today that today that kyle has made this decision 3 weeks ago.
Posted by: mackie | Jun 14, 2007 11:11:28 PM
Kurt2 I remember Mark Martin back in the ASA days offering to help guys set up there race cars for a "service fee"...back when we had Cup drivers invade our races...was a blast...JJ never impressed me at all back then...still doesn't, Chad's Daddy did in the touring series.
Posted by: Fan #5 | Jun 14, 2007 11:04:02 PM
Fan 5
while we dont agree alot of time I soley agree with you right there. Think about those whom earned it, against those whom havent.
Do you think JJ, JG, KK, could work on there cars ever ? Thats a big NO>...
The ones you named Fan 5 paid there dues with blood, and sweat.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jun 14, 2007 10:07:01 PM
Barb G
U nailed it dead on. Even though so many help one another from overfunded to underfunded.It doesnt withstand the overall fact of the pursues arent there.
I know 3 Buch teams that have 3 -4 more races left this year with help and more CTS teams than that that cant make it.
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jun 14, 2007 10:03:50 PM
That's the problem Kurt. NASCAR has treated the Busch and CTS series like the proverbial red-headed step-children and this is the result of that mind-set. Busch and truck series owners are begging for sponsors and more lucrative purses and it seems to fall on deaf ears. It's a real shame to see what has happened.
Posted by: Barb g | Jun 14, 2007 9:28:14 PM
Kat, I would like to state that Mega team owners are ruining "young guns"! these Brats are given primo rides at 17 aqnd 18, and used. Dale Earnhardt earned his ride, Mark Martin earned his ride, and Bill Elliot earned his ride. Richard Petty, and Junior Johnson summed it up best that these kids are no bigger than a jockey!
Whatever happen to paying it forward in the ABC's of Nascar? it's Monkey see Monkey do!...and for clarifications the Moniker stand for Krista Voda's number five fan...NOT Kyle Bush, NOT Dale Jr in the 5!
Posted by: Fan #5 | Jun 14, 2007 9:12:14 PM
Stricklanfan,
I think they should win more than a race before moving up. Winning a race is an accomplishment and everything, but Cup needs consistency. Gilliland was moved up too early, as was Sorenson, not saying their not good, I actually like Sorenson, but I think they needed more time and wins before moving on up.
Posted by: Kathy | Jun 14, 2007 8:22:51 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
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