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Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!!
- Thread starter Spydertrader
- Start date
Mears should definitely be doing better in a Hendrick car.Quote from DanFan78:
Why is he such a major player in silly season? He has one fuel mileage win, and has never been a top tier driver. He's middle of the pack at best.
Truex fined 150 points, drops 4 spots in the standings to 18th.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8325650/Truex-fined-150-points-for-failing-inspection
I think Martin is definitely an upgrade from Mears. We saw with Gibbs when Hamlin went into the 11 car and when Kyle went into the 18 what a difference a driver can make. I think Hendrick values a veteran, no drama type operation, which Martin gives him.
The real question is what happens with the 20 car if Stewart leaves. Would they really put Joey Lagano in the ride next year?
The real question is what happens with the 20 car if Stewart leaves. Would they really put Joey Lagano in the ride next year?
Quote from AAAintheBeltway:
The real question is what happens with the 20 car if Stewart leaves. Would they really put Joey Lagano in the ride next year?
Wow. Looks that way, AAA. Stewart to Haas w/ half ownership, Logano in the 20 w/ Home Depot staying on board as sponsor.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8327232/Report:-Stewart-to-be-granted-release-from-JGR-
Quote from jzlucas:
Wow. Looks that way, AAA. Stewart to Haas w/ half ownership, Logano in the 20 w/ Home Depot staying on board as sponsor.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/8327232/Report:-Stewart-to-be-granted-release-from-JGR-
I just see this as a problem all the way around. Smoke has always had the very best equipment and support. Now he will have to suck up to sponsors and oversee building a team. In a tough economy, sponsors are not exactly lining up outside NASCAR headquarters. Home Depot definitely stays with JGR. Arthur Blank is a big buddy of Gibbs.
Still, Smoke has experience running his own teams. No doubt he has something lined up on the sponsor side, or he wouldn't be leaving. Maybe being the number three driver at JGR is chafing him as well. I don't see a great candidate to be his number two driver. Rocketman Ryan Newman? If he can't win with Penske, how is he going to do better with a new team? How aobut Tony Raines? He was credible last year.
As for JGR, I just don't think Joey Logano is ready for Cup. He will get the most out of the car, but can he pass a Jeff Gordon or hold off a Carl Edwards late in a race? Is he really ready to rub with the grownups? I'd hate to see his confidence shattered. Still, who else can go in the car?
Exactly what I was thinking. It's going to be a tough one for him and his teammate next year. We'll see.Quote from AAAintheBeltway:
Smoke has always had the very best equipment and support. Now he will have to suck up to sponsors and oversee building a team.
Hard to say if Logano is going to be OK in cup. He hasnt run enough to make a sound decision. Could be an interesting 2009!
I just don't know if there's anyone available that's better than Logano. It's almost better for Gibbs to invest the time in an 18-year-old than try to work with a guy like Mears, as he did with Leffler, who may never have it.
By the way, my favorite rumor right now is that Michael McDowell is the leading candidate to take over for Newman! That's funny - it shows how little is available right now!
By the way, my favorite rumor right now is that Michael McDowell is the leading candidate to take over for Newman! That's funny - it shows how little is available right now!