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June 29, 2006
The M&M’s are melting in his hands
By Mike Harper
One must wonder what NASCAR owner’s Robert Yates and Chip Ganassi are thinking these days. Actually, both have a few things in common. First, they each have an open seat in one of their Cup cars for next season and second, they’re both experiencing a time where drivers want to leave their organizations. For Ganassi, this is the second straight season where driver retention has been a problem. Last season Jamie McMurray announced that he succeeded in terminating his contract with Ganassi early, giving him the avenue to join forces with Roush Racing this season. Most recently, Casey Mears decided not to renew his contract with Ganassi allowing him to sign with Hendrick Motorsports.
In the midst of realizing the same hardship, Yates has lost NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett to Michael Waltrip Racing for next season and Elliott Sadler is rumored to be heading out the door as well. Drivers leaving and jumping ship makes me wonder what is happening internally at these organizations. If the owners of these teams were 100% honest with themselves, they would know that a driver wanting to leave their organization is troubling, but multiple drivers looking to get out is a huge red flag that something must not be right inside their stable. If we look at Sadler specifically, Yates is in trouble. I truly believe Jarrett leaving will not sit well with Sadler and you’ve got to ask the question, if Yates’ drivers were performing as well as the Roush Racing drivers, would Jarrett be leaving in the first place? I’m sure Sadler has thought about that very question. FOX Sports’ Larry McReynolds had some interesting thoughts about the Sadler/Yates topic. "Whose shoulders is it on to fix the problem? That's one man: Robert Yates," said McReynolds. "Sadler wants to make this deal work, but something is going to have to change. If something doesn't change, he isn't getting any younger so he's going to need to look at some other options." Other options? Darn right, because he’s got them. Depending on where UPS ends up, Sadler could be their driver in two years. If and I mean if, Sadler follows his mentor Dale Jarrett to Michael Waltrip Racing and UPS moves with Jarrett, Sadler could drive the Dominos/Burger King sponsored car until Jarrett retires in two years, then he could move into the UPS car. My mind amazes me sometimes. Will Ford Motorsports have that? No way! Ford lost Jarrett and I’m sure they’re fighting for Sadler at this very hour. That said, with a ton of help from Ford, Sadler might stay in a Ford either at Yates (if they can turnaround their program) or he’ll end up at Roush Racing in the No. 6 car replacing Mark Martin. Roush was replacing Martin next season with current Busch Series driver Todd Kluever, but Kluever’s lackluster start must surely have Roush rethinking his 2007 plans. Sadler could also end up at: Maybe it’s just easier to stay put.
June 29, 2006 | Permalink
Comments
LOL Mike
a topic that could get us all shouting in here
so many choices
so little time
Can't wait till it all is sorted out
my take has UPS and Sadler to MWR
Posted by: trucker | Jun 29, 2006 7:38:24 PM
I would love to Sadler go to DEI. That would be a dream come true for me.
Trucker what did you say about a soap opera?
Posted by: Diane | Jun 29, 2006 7:53:04 PM
Diane
"AS THE WHEEL TURNS"
I don't think DEI would sign Sadler
Theresa wouldn't want to spend that amount of money and BTW I really don't see a merger with MB2.What I do see is someone buying DEI.
The UPS sponsorship is the key.
Is Ford talking to UPS and trying to work something out ?????
This is a figment of my fertile imagination
UPS to the Wood Brothers with Kenny driving the 21 car and JW taking over the 21 after Kenny retires in 3 years.UPS would use KS and JW in their adds for 6 years plus.
DEI sells out and is named for new owner and JR is allowed to go.(it is every bodies dream to see JR drive a black #3)
Jack R buys RYR and Sadler drives the #6
MWR has Mikey and DW
Ward B does to RED BULL
PUTTING MY BEER AWAY
lol at least I picked IROC winner right
WAY TO GO TONY
Posted by: trucker | Jun 30, 2006 12:04:12 AM
Elliott stays at RYR with M&M's.
Ward comes to RYR with UPS.
2 years from now--
Elliott stays with RYR with UPS.
Stephen Leicht moves up to cup with M&M's.
Posted by: ESadlerFan | Jun 30, 2006 12:56:37 AM
Like I said Truck a dream ;-)
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jun 30, 2006 7:28:29 AM
First of all, those were two great races last night. The battle between Long and Pruett kept me on the edge of my seat, and then Bergmeister wins with a Roush/Yates engine due to fuel mileage! WOW!
Put Stewart in anything and he will win. That was an awesome performance last night. But I went to bed before he even made it into Victory Lane, so I don't know if he climbed the fence. I doubt it, cuz he had a very long day. Mr. Henry better hurry back. I figured there'd be something on TR, but it's still yesterday's headlines. We miss you Bob!!
Sorry. . .now to the topic at hand. . .I'm waiting for the announcement that UPS will be the ‘official’ courier of NAPA. That’s when you know they are going with DJ.
I have no idea where Elliott might end up, but I agree with Larry Mac, “he’s not getting any younger,” and there are plenty of options for him to consider this year. I can see Elliott wearing Dominos and Burger King colors. He’s been a great spokesperson for M&Ms and Pedigree. I have a feeling he’d have a lot of people buying pizza and burgers! Would they have to add fried bologna burgers to the menu?
I’m hoping Mark wins the championship, and then we don’t have to worry about the 6 until ’08, cuz he’ll come back to defend his title. (Okay, that’s what happens when I’m up until midnight – I dream a lot.)
Not only did Ford loose Jarrett, they will be loosing Mark if he does retire from Cup, but they also lost Kahne. Sadler could be next. They can’t afford to take too many more hits.
What about Bill Elliott? I heard someone say he might come back if the price was right.
DEI sold? To who? Menard? My dream is for a DEI/RCR merger with Richard running both. That would give Jr. a father figure with some guidance and experience that I believe DEI could use. (I know, I’m dreaming again.) Merging with MB2 - yes. But being sold – can’t see that happening.
Another interesting topic, Mike. Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend, and rain won’t delay any of your plans!
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!!! (I’m going to miss DW!)
Posted by: Shirley | Jun 30, 2006 8:38:39 AM
Mike,
For sure, it's a turbulent time for Yates and Ganassi. Consequently, it's an unusually turbulent "silly season" for everybody. Interesting food for thought.
Posted by: David Green | Jun 30, 2006 9:28:44 AM
yup it's interesting
Shirley he did not climb the fence
he didn't even get out of the car for the
traditional interveiw
But I forgive him all that
he was beat... but very happy
Posted by: trucker | Jun 30, 2006 12:20:47 PM
He didn't get out of the car? Damn.
I know it's really hot and humid over here, and Daytona is straight across on the other side of the state. Those in Cup who are also running the Busch race and ran in IROC had one hell of a long day.
Posted by: Shirley | Jun 30, 2006 1:37:20 PM
For a weather update. . .I just got home. It's 96 on my front porch, and according to a local news station the humidity is 56%. There's a few clouds, but so far NO RAIN! Should be about the same @ DIS.
Posted by: Shirley | Jun 30, 2006 3:11:45 PM
I hope they keep hydrated
anywhere the camera's turned last night you could see nothing except sweat
Tony had it comming off in rivlets
he didn't even take a "COKE"
just plain water
he looked KOOL at the start and that was at 10pm EST
hope all keep kool and plenty of fluids
Posted by: trucker | Jun 30, 2006 3:33:08 PM
Didn't get out of the car and didn't drink a Coke. It ain't any better today. Thanks for the 'recap,' Ron.
Posted by: Shirley | Jun 30, 2006 4:46:03 PM
How about that Busch Race
was JR awsome
LOL
He had em covered
and what did Harvicks creww do to get penalised
Did feel sorry for both Mickey and Edwards but think the penalty was a sign that they won't tolerate that kind of behavour in the 400
Posted by: trucker | Jul 1, 2006 12:07:48 AM
Nice piece Mike. Ford will do all they can to keep Sadler, they can't afford to lose another high profile driver. I sincerely hope Yates can get things straightened out, he has been around for a long time.
Trucker mentioned that DEI will be bought out, hate to say it bud but that isn't going to happen. I predict that they will merge with MB2 and John Menard will be the owner and a very powerful partnership will be created.
Posted by: Mark | Jul 3, 2006 10:55:37 AM
i hope DEI and MB2 merge. Sadler will stay at Yates w/ the M&M's car and Ward will drive the citi financial car. or either Rudd comes back and they go retro w/ a Havoline #28. Once again gannassi is no place to build a career. Marlin, McMurry and now Mears have all left, i c no one wanting 2 drive for him. yates is n a far better position than ole chip. at least yates runs roush engines
Posted by: gray | Jul 6, 2006 10:05:26 PM
I just think Sadler should stay put!! There, is that easy enough?!! Sadler is doing fine where he is, and yes he could me doing better, but hey! I bet he's making more money then all of you!(lol) But I do have to add, I'm a little dissapointed in him, he can't improve! He has started out great in races, but during the middle of the race, he just falls back! It's dissapointing! But you go Elliott!
Posted by: Emily | Jul 10, 2006 12:06:42 AM
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