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November 17, 2006
Call them the most disappointing of 2006
By Mike Harper
Championship weekend has arrived, but some in the garage area are ready to put this season behind them. Today’s NASCAR off-season is more than just rest and relaxation it also brings pressures to rebuild those teams that stumbled during the previous season.
With more and more changes coming to NASCAR’s elite series and additional teams joining the mix next season, the importance of pointing a team and driver into the right direction is becoming more critical. Let’s face it, faltering teams with major sponsorship money could miss more races next season.
Looking back at the 2006 Nextel Cup Series season, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle not making the Chase after their efforts in 2005 stands out most in my mind. Would I call not making the 2006 Chase disappointing for these drivers? In the case of Tony Stewart, yes. In my opinion, the defending champion should make the next season’s Chase.
When you look at NASCAR’s three top racing series, the most disappointing of 2006 include:
Craftsman Truck Series
At the end of the 2005 season Dennis Setzer found himself as the runner-up to series champion Ted Musgrave. Missing the championship by 56 points wasn’t his only runner-up accomplishment in 2005. He won four races, second to Todd Bodine’s five race wins.
In 2006, Setzer currently sits 12th in the standings with no wins and only one top five finish in 24 races. This makes him and his team the Craftsman Truck Series most disappointing.
Busch Series
Kenny Wallace has taken pride over the years in his ability to finish inside the Top 10 in the Busch Series standings. In 2004, Wallace finished 9th in the standings and last season with five top five finishes, he ended the season standings in 7th.
Wallace, a fan favorite with his outgoing personality hasn’t recorded any top five finishes during the 2006 season through 34 races and currently trails the 10th place points position by over 90 points. In addition, Wallace has run every event and trails three drivers who haven’t raced the entire season, including Greg Biffle who has only raced in 29 events prior to the Homestead-Miami weekend. With news that his sponsor will be leaving, Wallace announced that he’ll be moving to the Nextel Cup Series next season, but not without him and his team first being labeled the Busch Series most disappointing of the 2006.
Nextel Cup Series
The lost rookie
In the category of rookies, David Stremme gets the nod for the top disappointing rookie spot. Stremme is the only 2006 rookie who has not finished a race inside the top 10 and finds himself outside the top 30 in the standings, the only rookie to hold this honor as well. With one event left in the 2006 season, Stremme has a chance to give his team a spark going into the off-season.
Short term investment ends up a bust
The 2005 season was rocked with a few announcements regarding driver contracts. Jamie McMurray signed with Roush Racing one year before his contract was set to expire with Chip Ganassi Racing.
After finishing 11th in the standings at the end of 2004 and 12th in 2005, McMurray was primed to put Ganassi’s No. 42 in the Chase for 2006. But Jack Roush and Mark Martin from Roush Racing had other plans for young McMurray and signed him to a contract beginning in 2007. This brought tension to the Ganassi team and it trashed their 2006 plans for McMurray. They ended up cutting McMurray loose and allowed him to race for Roush this season.
Unfortunately what seemed to be a steal for Roush ended up being a bust for 2006. With only seven top 10’s recorded this season going into Homestead-Miami, McMurray is the worst of all Roush drivers. Also, one of this seasons most disappointing.
Top Dog
Known as the Rocketman, because of his ability to secure the top spot during qualifying, Ryan Newman is one of NASCAR’s top drivers. Coming off back-to-back Chase runs from 2004 and 2005, Newman was easily picked as a championship contender for 2006. In each of the last two seasons prior to the 2006 season, Newman has recorded atleast one win, 8 or more poles and multiple top 10 race finishes.
In 2006, Newman and his No. 12 Penske Dodge hit a major speed bump. With two poles, seven top 10’s and no wins, Newman sits 18th in the standings and even trails his new teammate Kurt Busch in the categories of poles, top 5’s, top 10’s and race wins.
With Newman’s crew chief leaving the team with two races to go in the 2006 season, things don’t look any better for Newman to end the season on a high note. Newman, though he remains one of NASCAR’s most talented drivers will be one of those drivers ready to get this season behind him. The 2006 season will go down in history with Ryan Newman and his No. 12 team being known as the most disappointing of the season.
Who do you consider the most disappointing?
November 17, 2006 | Permalink
Comments
I believe Setzer is losing Chevy support also.Without factory support,what will happen to the series?
The entire Busch series was a disappointment this year.
If Jamie Mac does not improve greatly next year,he may be a short term investment for Roush also.
Some good thoughts!
Posted by: Short Lady | Nov 17, 2006 2:11:59 PM
I love watching the truck races. I have always been a fan of Setzer; although he was not my favorite I still wanted him to win. Very upsetting to see him running so bad.
I agree with Short Lady on the Busch Series. I used to enjoy watching. Now it is more like Cup practice and that has turned me off. Bring back Magic Shoes, Tim Fedewa, Randy Lajoy, David Green, etc.
On the Cup side I am most shocked with Ryan Newman. I never really expected Jamie to light the world up so he has not disappointed me.
Posted by: Michelle | Nov 17, 2006 4:12:27 PM
Overall, Roush Racing itself has been the biggest shock/disappointment to me. Two of his best sitting outside looking in underlines that. And, I have to say that the Lucky Mutt still robbing the planet of oxygen is disappointing also.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 17, 2006 5:47:08 PM
Great post Mark
In Truck's my biggest disapointment was Erin crocker,She had some top5's but just
never got there in the truck's.
In Busch, well if you take out the buschwaker's you are left with new comer Paul Menard and Kenny being in top 10.
In Cup,yes Mc Murray,big disapointment,and Tony being out of the chase is big.
But my biggest disapointment is Nascar it's self.
At Daytona a car was caught cheating,and
the same car was allowed to race with ONLY a fine and suspension,while for trying to alter the outcome of a race was given bigger fine AND a loss of points.
Another disapointment was the attitude of
the NBC/TNT broadcast's.Since NBC is not
returning next yead,is no reason to give us
shortchnged shift,and TNT I hope learns from this and does better next year.
Posted by: trucker | Nov 18, 2006 11:04:01 AM
sorry should have proofed my post
Erin Crocker had some top5's in ARCA
and didn't do well at all in the truck's
Posted by: trucker | Nov 18, 2006 11:06:59 AM
Along with the Daytona cheating car being in first in the chase comes the third place team and new cup practice series champ in third place. Doesn't all of his sudden good fortune make you think about what was missed in the tech line?
Posted by: RWM8828 | Nov 18, 2006 11:26:53 AM
Great thoughts Harp.
My biggest disappointment with the Busch Series is that NASCAR hasn't put some serious limitations with the Buschwhacking going on.
Cup-wise I would go with the entire Rousch Organization. Biffle and Edwards' seasons were a surprise for sure. I also think Ryan Newman is a good one to get an award as well.
Posted by: Mark | Nov 18, 2006 11:42:35 AM
Disappointment #1: NASCAR continuing to grow and grow until it nears the point of exploding, leaving behind all traces of its roots in favor of becoming Big Entertainment.
Disappointment #2: the whole Martin/Roush situation. I have no clue what happened, but one of my sports heroes has always been Jim Brown, who walked away on top and never looked back. Why is Martin taking a part-time ride with a third-rate team? Why couldn't Roush find a truck ride for him? There are, I'm sure, perfectly good answers, but it's still a disappointment.
Disappointment #3: I join in nominating the Busch series. NASCAR needs to make some big decisions here.
Disappointment #4: NASCAR continues to tweak the chase, despite the fact that the chase seems to have done little for the TV ratings it was supposed to address. After six months of reading posts here about the chase, it doesn't seem that we fans even could agree on whether the chase is a good thing or not, let alone what it should look like. I fear more tinkering, "wild cards," "fan votes" and the like will appear in the near future.
Posted by: Doug | Nov 18, 2006 11:51:46 AM
"Oop's I did it again" twice
I apologize to you Mike for confusing you with Mark.You both are great writers and steer me to jump on the bandwagon,and make a reply post.Next time I will try to READ better.
LOL read better , proofread my post's and
listen to THAT DAMN SONG 100 times,watch the Busch race and the Game,
damn, am I going to be a busy today.
Go Buckeyes beat Michigan....RIP "BO"
Posted by: trucker | Nov 18, 2006 12:36:23 PM
LOL,
Brittany Trucker...."Oop's I did it again" twice
Posted by: Keith | Nov 18, 2006 8:20:25 PM
I guess my biggest disappointment is people still whining about the 48 team and the Daytona cheating. The man raced the entire season, made the Chase and is on the verge of winning the Cup. Quit wallowing in your sorrow and get over it. As long as we have NASCAR, there has been and will be cheating.
Posted by: jeff | Nov 18, 2006 10:48:58 PM
I'm a firm believer that the previous year's champion should automatically be a part of the next year's chase. What a total rip-off for Tony Stewart this year! He deserved to be there!
Posted by: Ally | Nov 18, 2006 11:19:35 PM
Nascar not giving more points for wins or pole points
Kluever Not being in the 6 car (He got the shaft by the cat with the hat)
Nascar adding more RULES, RULES AND RULES
Its taking the fun out of racing.
Posted by: Nancy | Nov 19, 2006 1:03:51 AM
Sorry, Ally, but I couldn't disagree more. While I don't like the chase, at least you have to earn your way in. Inviting the reigning champ opens the door for past champs, fan favorites, etc., and that's a road I don't want to go down.
Posted by: Doug | Nov 19, 2006 1:22:27 AM
The chase is hear to stay although its' format might change a little every few years. I'm really looking forward to Daves' special today in the hope we might hear some great ideas on how the sport could change. I'm tired of hearing people complaining when in reality their ideas are simply prejudiced or they wear coloured glasses and everything is a conspiracy.
The most important change Nascar can make is a very simple rule book complete with penalties.
Posted by: 328 | Nov 19, 2006 7:57:13 AM
Doug,
A big Amen and Hella no to that. We'd get the past champ and then the previous past champ and then Waltrip and Toyota would buy a champ to get in. I'm surprised we don't have the "Lucky Champ" rule yet. All past champs just get a lap back for "whatever."
Posted by: Keith | Nov 19, 2006 10:16:14 AM
Let the past years champion in? What!?!?!? C'mon get serious, Stewart didn't make it and that's that. What a stupid suggestion by anyone that last years champion somehow deserves to be in the Chase automatically. Jeez.
Disappointments?
Martin not retiring completely. I don't get him wanting to stay around and race part time with a sub-par team. He doesn't need the money. That and not being able to work out a Truck deal with Roush.
Busch series. Turned into a colossal joke. Busch whackers are killing the series, it's basically practice for Cup teams now. Besides, do these guys really get off beating up on under financed teams? It's like an NFL footbal team getting excited because they beat a Tier 2 College team.
Nascar themselves. I used to watch every single race in a season years ago. This year I've watched about 5. To many, to long and to many changes every year. I think they need to pare the field down, look at who's running at the back every week. Guys who shouldn't be there in crappy equipment. If this is going to be the premier series then every team should have to meet a minimum performance level. It's pointless that they're there.
I could go on but it will just piss me off.
Posted by: canucken | Nov 19, 2006 10:40:26 AM
Keith, you're a genius! (Of course, you knew that.) The "Lucky champ" rule. I don't know exactly what it looks like or what it does, but the concept is a great one!! What about the "champion dog" rule?
Canucken: your idea about minimum performance levels is interesting. Can you be more specific? How would you measure those levels? How big a field would you think best? I may disagree once you explain, but would like to know more about your ideas.
Posted by: Doug | Nov 19, 2006 1:10:11 PM
Keith: the guys with the white coats that will be knocking on your door soon will bring you back before Daytona in 07.PROMISE
just kidding.......but you knew that
"THE LUCKY CHAMP",sounds like a lucky sailor on saturday night shore leave.LOL
Jeff,the fact he cheated is not the issue.
And to say he cheated,so what? is not an issue to me or an answer to the problem.
My problem is that last year the 42 car of Ganassi and the 20 car of Gibbs were confiscated when found in a rule's violation,simillar to the 48's .
I although not being a big "Jimmy" fan think he will make a good Champion and Promoter of our sport.
Jeff,1 more thing,it is not a problem that Chad and or Jimmy cheated,but the consatant rehash of the violation is a major problem.The incident will always be brought up to show the "don't care" attitude of Nascar's decision's on flagrant rule violation's.
The fact of life is,they cheated,got caught,Will win the championship,and we will ALL have to live with it.Remember Mark Martin got caught cheating and lost points,and that did cost him a Championship.MY advice to you is
GET OVER IT,IT HAPPENED
Posted by: trucker | Nov 19, 2006 1:44:19 PM
Jeff, the controversy over the Daytona incident is part of the deal. You can't just take the cheers and adulation and prize money.
You think Johnson would rather NASCAR have levied a penalty stiff enough to make the critics shut up, but also harsh enough to have made Kenseth the champ?
My guess is, "no."
Posted by: David Green | Nov 19, 2006 7:36:34 PM
Someone who has not been mentioned yet in the disappointment category is Jeremy Mayfield. He made the Chase two years in a row, and the team seemed to be improving as well as all of the other Evernham cars. By Watkins Glen the #19 car was 36th in points and Jeremy was out of a job. Talk about a rapid fall from grace.
But my vote for biggest disappointment still goes to that #26 car.
Posted by: Kurt Smith | Nov 20, 2006 8:03:23 AM
After watching homestead I find myself seriously underwhelmed by the Chase Championship format.
Posted by: Keith | Nov 20, 2006 11:25:56 AM
Biggest disappointments -
Continuation of NASCAR's Dead-Lane Era of lack of lead changes.
Continuing shrinkage of number of winners - only seven teams won races in 2006. The side disappointment was that Petty Enterprises didn't break back into victory lane and thus add some sizzle there.
Continued ineptitude from Brian France.
The reality of the COT is a huge disappointment.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Nov 20, 2006 12:24:46 PM
Stewart should have made the chase. He had a better regular season that Mark Martin and Mark made the chase. Stewart had more wins, more top 5's and more top 10's than Mark did after the first 26 races. Even when he had bad finishes he was running better than Mark did. He would have at worst been 2nd at California in February if his engine hadn't broke. He was running 3rd at Sonomoa when he had more engine problems. He was running 3rd at Chicago when he ran out of gas on the last lap. And he was leading at Louden when him and Newman got together.
Tony was deserving of making the chase but the points system rewards a guy like Mark who finishes 15th every week much more than it rewards a guy like Tony who goes for the win every week.
Posted by: Ken | Nov 20, 2006 1:24:38 PM
Sorry Trucker, but there is nothing for me to GET OVER. I'm not even a 48 fan but I'm stiil tired of people rehashing it over and over and BLAH BLAH BLAH. And also the problem with the car was not the same as the 20 car. It was not within the measurements for the rear window. The 48 car had a rigged up contraption to push the rear window outward. Not even anywhere close to the same. When removed the car was legal. GET OVER IT!!!!
Posted by: jeff | Nov 20, 2006 6:12:23 PM
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