Subscribe to this blog's feed« Danica who? | Main | Clean Air »
July 14, 2006
Run Candyman, run!
By Mike Harper
Its being reported that Elliott Sadler, driver of the No. 38 Ford for Robert Yates Racing has until Saturday to notify Yates of his 2007 plans. Jim Utter is reporting that Sadler is under no deadline to provide an answer.
Sadler could stay with Yates or decide to leave for another team. Unlike other silly seasons from the past, Sadler has many options in the Cup garage and my guess is he’ll leave RYR for a more competitive team.
If I were walking in Sadler’s shoes, I’d look at two separate issues that ultimately help me make the decision to leave RYR. First, Dale Jarrett’s departure to another race team is a red flag to me. In most cases, drivers leave a race team for one of two reasons - to chase a better opportunity or to leave a team that’s not competitive.
When Jarrett moved to RYR in 1995 from Joe Gibbs Racing, it was for a better opportunity. His decision to leave JGR paid off and Jarrett won a championship in 1999. Recently, Jarrett surprised the NASCAR community and announced that he was leaving RYR at the end of this season for Michael Waltrip Racing. I would suggest that Jarrett isn’t leaving RYR for a better opportunity, but because his current team isn’t competitive. In my opinion, Jarrett’s decision to leave will play a part in Sadler’s decision to leave, if he decides to go in that direction.
In addition to Jarrett leaving, RYR is now looking to their rival Roush Racing to help fix some of the issues. Last weekend at Chicagoland, Sadler drove a chassis prepared by Roush Racing. Hoping to realize success by using the Roush chassis, at the end of the day Sadler and the No. 38 team finished a disappointing 29th.
It’s not looking good for the folks at RYR and the big question that’s bouncing in my head is does Sadler have the patience to stay at RYR? Basically if he stays, he’ll keep a friend in Yates and he’ll continue to drive in circles until RYR can put together a competitive program.
Normally for a racer, patience doesn’t win races. They drive to win the trophy. If your team isn’t giving you the opportunity to win races by keeping you up front, your patience will wear thin. Just ask Dale Jarrett.
July 14, 2006 | Permalink
Comments
Mike,
I disagree on Jarrett. He's already proved himself in NASCAR and was readying to retire. Nothing makes a potential retiree smile like a lot of Benjamin Franklins. This close to the end of a stellar career you don't shift to a new team that has no track record, and will most likely struggle, because of performance. It's all about the money. He made a terrific family deal.
I'm not saying that Yates has no issues, but Jarrett isn't a valid indicator of them. Sadler will have to go with his feelings about the long term ability of Yates to provide a quality ride. He has the time in the sport remaining to do either. He can stay with Yates and see how their performance improves/deteriorates, or he can go to a new team and progress/or not with them.
Posted by: Keith | Jul 14, 2006 6:36:23 PM
Hey Mike, Keith,
I too thought DJ was ready for the senior golf tour. Then he found out just how much a champion's provisional is worth. More power to him, hope it works out for him. He sure put alot of blame on Todd Parrott for his performance demise. Take away the races won,(even a road course) championship in 99' with TP and what's left?
Heard Sadler was headed for Everham with the Candy in tow. If that is true, seems like a good time for RYR to complete the sale of his soul to the "Cheata'-in-the-Hat".
Posted by: Larry | Jul 14, 2006 7:48:27 PM
HERE WE GO AGAIN
Q the music
(hum the song Dream Weaver)
When Richard Childress started racing in 1969 it was a hobby to him.In 1981 he hired
a driver named Dale Earnhart,nobody believed anything would come of it.But has
history has shown They were wrong.
In 22 yrs Dale Jarrett has amassed 32 wins in cup,he is 49 years old and knows he has
a couple more years of driving ahead of him.Looking up his stats,his first win was 8-18-91 at Michigan and his last was 10-2-05 at Taladega.He has won at big tracks,small tracks and the inbetween tracks,alas never at a road course though.
You have to remember sometimes age means nothing,Harry Gant at 51 won 5 races 4 of them in a row.
I don't think any real driver would sign with an unknow team just for the money.If yates had the resources to ut competative cars on track each week we would have seen diferent stats in the books.
I think Micheal Waltrip is a poor driver
but he has assembled a team that does impress.Running the helm is Ty Norris who
got his start at DEI.Toyota has jumped on board and I think the team will see sucess
in 2007 and amaze us all with thier results at Daytona.
Bob Dilner said on Nascar Live that he expects Mayfeild will go to MWR driving the BurgerKing/Dominoes car and Sadler and M&M's will go to Everham and the 19 car
GREAT POST MR MIKE HARPER
Posted by: trucker | Jul 14, 2006 7:54:22 PM
Man if sadler too packs his bags and leaves for EMS, what's left of RYR will be same thing left after a nuclear blast. I would wonder where he will find a second driver then (assuming stephen leicht will be one).
Posted by: 48fan | Jul 14, 2006 7:54:35 PM
I think that Toyota will win a few races next year...not pillage and mayhem, I think Dale could possibly be a winner next season. The problems at Robert Yates and Evernham Motorsports are serious, although Rousch/Yates have an alliance so you REALLY think there getting top shelf equipment...after all this IS competition, ya know everyone moans about the impending doom that Toyota is about unleash, But the way I see it they are no worse than Jack Rousch or Rick Hendrick, Yates and the Woods organization are shadows of there former selfs, as is MB2 and DEI...the latter tho is making progess as is RCR.
I don't see Sadler staying he goes along with M&M's to the 19, and Mayfield to the 00 Burger King/Dominoes...1-800-NEW-Toyota..Camry...Sorry Harp I don't know what came over me
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 14, 2006 8:01:56 PM
Oh yeah RYR saviour...Ward Burton...Okee dokee!! Stick a fork in her I think she's done
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 14, 2006 8:07:56 PM
A lot of seats to fill! Everyone is forgetting about Davis' Toyota teamS, too.Plus Red Bull...We have some tough competition coming up, and some teams need to re-adjust (RYR) but all comes outa the wash clean in the end. I see no red sock and pink undies 'round here. I'm kinda glad to hear some of the vets return?... (please please please)
Posted by: becki | Jul 14, 2006 8:18:22 PM
It looks like Bill Elliot is going to fill the second red bull seat. When u got great sponsors with MW and roush affiliation with RYR no one these drivers would want to drive for Bill Davis.
Posted by: 48fan | Jul 14, 2006 8:26:24 PM
Larry - must be a 48/24 fan. "Cheata' all the time".
Posted by: justine | Jul 14, 2006 8:29:52 PM
And as the Cups cars are at NHIS this week on the sidelines, and at home in NH, is Ricky Craven.
I here an open seat... er seats calling at RYR.
Posted by: Marc | Jul 14, 2006 10:14:03 PM
I heard lot of car owners
just registered @
"Seat's R Us"
Posted by: trucker | Jul 14, 2006 11:16:06 PM
I too heard Dilner say that Sadler was going to the 19 with M&Ms, and that Jeremy was going to have "an announcement." “...a nuclear blast...” – the perfect description of what might be left of RYR, 48fan.
Dilner also interviewed Ed Carpenter who said he had a meeting at 10 a.m. today to discuss driving a Busch car in '07. Sounded like that would lead to a Cup ride in ’08.
I can honestly say in my 30+ years of following NASCAR, that I've never seen so many "seats" available with such a lack of "good old boys" to fill them.
Or is that really true? Ward Burton has been mentioned, but I haven't seen Ricky Rudd's name. I thought he only "semi-retired." Looks like Awesome Bill is coming back. The Winston Million was great in its day, but now he can make that in one lap.
Why aren’t the Cup teams raiding the Truck series? What about Johnny Benson, Ron Hornaday, Steve Park, Mike Skinner, etc. IMO most of the “young guns” did not live up to their “potential.” Why not give proven veterans their due and let them make some of the big bucks that are out there in this day and age.
Great post Mike. Now back to Happy Hour!
Posted by: Shirley | Jul 15, 2006 10:38:30 AM
I think part of the downfall at RYR are the 2 guys behind the wheel. Let Sadler go. He has lived up to expectations since coming over from the Wood Brothers. He will not do any better in the 19 or any other car for that matter.
Yates will be back!!! We all know that horsepower is not the issue here. Once they get the chassis part of it squared away, they will be back.
In summary, I think Jarrett is past his prime and Sadler still isn't ready for prime time.
I look forward to some fresh faces coming over to RYR.
Posted by: Yates28 | Jul 15, 2006 12:06:09 PM
What I don't understand is why ESad would move to the 19 and think thats the best move for him. He'll always be 2nd fiddle at best to Kasey Kahne over there - at least at RYR he'd have the focus on his team.
Posted by: Tillie | Jul 15, 2006 12:17:10 PM
Yates28, I disagree with your assumption that Sadler isn't ready for primetime. How can you expect anyone to be consistent when you have a Chinese firedrill of crew chiefs? Had Todd Parrott stayed as his crew chief, I believe that he'd have been a lot more successful by now.
Posted by: Ironman | Jul 15, 2006 12:22:46 PM
Shirley has this one right.
I can honestly say in my 30+ years of following NASCAR, that I've never seen so many "seats" available with such a lack of "good old boys" to fill them.
I can't even keep up with all the changes.
(drivers, rules) It's getting crazy. I really do hope to see the Candy Man do better.
Posted by: Diane | Jul 15, 2006 5:41:59 PM
Shirley has this one right.
I can honestly say in my 30+ years of following NASCAR, that I've never seen so many "seats" available with such a lack of "good old boys" to fill them.
I can't even keep up with all the changes.
(drivers, rules) It's getting crazy. I really do hope to see the Candy Man do better.
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 15, 2006 5:43:09 PM
Hey why did that post again?
Posted by: Diane Sadler | Jul 15, 2006 5:43:43 PM
Damn computors anyway : )
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 15, 2006 7:07:31 PM
Keith sure has been quiet lately! is workin on a new "home brew"?
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 16, 2006 7:05:13 AM
LOL, I'm laying low and looking for a place to hide when the family comes down in August. I can't use "I'll be out to sea any more."
Tbfka#5, I have one thought for you. With Mikey, Jarrett and now Elliott (potentially) in the Toyota herd, sponsors like Viagara, AARP, and Geritol must be giving them a serious look...LOL, I guess they have little to fear from the drivers staying up past 10 or partying all night.
Posted by: Keith | Jul 16, 2006 10:31:34 AM
lol @ Keith
get some of that yellow tape,you know that says "crime scene....do not cross" and X it across the door and keep playing
BOOGITYx3 on the sterio
Posted by: trucker | Jul 16, 2006 10:43:50 AM
Oh Keith I can't beleive you went there!
Here's my spin, Mikey will race for probably 5 more years...like it or not, Dale says he'll race two more years, I'd say he might pull a Martin and go an Xtra year, Mayfield will do well, Elliot will be the seasons first winner...followed by Vickers. The mystery still revolves around Bill Davis Racing, WHO? will drive for BDR, will we have "Cup whackers" from the truck series invading, and WILL that "round head" come back to Cup to taunt the "Bug eyed fool"?
Posted by: Tbfka# 5 | Jul 16, 2006 11:27:37 AM
Hey justine,
Actually very much a 2 & 12 fan. Just playing with the "cat" in the hat. The Cheeta or however it's spelled is a very fast cat. Could not resist the cheat opprotunity. Mr.R has made a very significant investment for years to enjoy the power he now has. He is very effective at working the rulebook, if it is under the hood or in team ownership structure. That is da' game and he is doing too well for me right now.
Posted by: Larry | Jul 16, 2006 2:07:44 PM
Tillie asks the question I've been wondering all week. Why would EMS be better than RYR at this time? Kasey has done well and seems to be the favored driver of this group, so why would Elliott want to play second fiddle there? At least at RYR he'd be the top man...and they would've had a top 5 yesterday if the 7 and 55 would stopped acting like children and put what happened last year behind them. The car was running good when he was out front so maybe it's not the team and their cars as much as people try to make it out to be.
Posted by: Sadler Fan | Jul 17, 2006 12:41:06 PM
Post a comment
Advertisements
