Nascar Quote of the Weekend!

[DarrellB]

This quote is from Nascar.com and it originates from Frank Stoddard (Scott Wimmer's crew chief)

"You've got to understand Michael Waltrip -- he's not that talented," Stoddard said. "This isn't speedway racing and he doesn't know what he's doing. "

:-laf :-laf



DB

 

[DGFoster]

OUCH Thats going to leave a mark

 

[Bill Lins]

Awwwwww! I LIKE Mikey!

 

[crobertson1]

How was that Michael's fault?

 

[DarrellB]

Originally posted by crobertson1

How was that Michael's fault?

Not sure about that one myself, but the quote is sure as heck funny.



DB

 

[Ram4Sam]

Mikey...

I couldn't see why Mikey is taking the blame on that wreck either. But his future with DEI is up in the air, here are some comments from Dale jr:



More on the Mikey leaving DEI rumors [looks more and more like he will leave]: Rumors have begun to swirl -- again -- that 41-year-old Michael Waltrip's job with Dale Earnhardt Inc. is in jeopardy. On Wednesday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said that although it would be a tough decision, there is a good possibility DEI will replace Waltrip when his contract expires at the end of this season. ''I know Michael personally would like to finish his career [with DEI],'' Earnhardt said during a Pepsi 400 promotion at Daytona International Speedway. ``But I don't see, ah, I don't see the chances of that being so good right now. But we haven't made a decision yet. Michael goes and runs good this past weekend at Charlotte [a second in the Coca-Cola 600]. He puts up a good argument for himself. But we need results out of that team. '' Earnhardt also emphasized that rookie Martin Truex Jr. , the star driver of his Second Chance Busch Series team, should not be seen as the ``villan. ''

''If we decide not to keep Michael, I believe we'd bring another driver in other than Martin,'' said Earnhardt, citing that he believes the best course for Truex's development in one more year in the Busch series. ''It's kind of tough for Martin because he feels like he's causing problems that he's not even causing,'' Earnhardt said. Waltrip has won a total of four races during his 3 ½ years with DEI, but all the victories have come on the superspeedways of Daytona or Talladega, where DEI cars have excelled in restrictor-plate racing. Waltrip finished 24th in the point standings in 2001, prompting the first round of talk that his job was in jeopardy. But in July of 2002, DEI extended his contract with NAPA Auto Parts as its primary sponsor for two more years. Waltrip finished 14th in the championship in 2002 and was 15th last year. This year Waltrip is 24th, 229 points out of the final spot for the 10-race shootout for the championship.

''I love Michael,'' said Earnhardt Jr. , who leads the championship race. ``It's very difficult because Michael and Dad were great friends. And Michael is a good friend, and I think the world of him. And Michael would love to finish his career where he's at. At the same time, we have to look toward the future. . . . That team [the No. 15 Chevy] has been going for three or four years and we feel like we've got to position ourselves for another driver for a good long relationship. '' In the offseason last year, DEI tried to to lure two-time Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr. to drive a third car. Hornish decided to remain in the IRL and drive for Team Penske. Earnhardt said the team can't pass up on a good ''home run hitter in the offseason'' because they were waiting for Waltrip to retire. He also said it's not ''healthy'' for a team to switch drivers midseason, although he did not rule out the possibility that it could happen. ''If it cuts Michael's career a couple of years shorter than he anticipated [with DEI], I don't think he's going to have a problem continuing what he wants to do,'' Earnhardt said. Waltrip could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but after finish second to runaway victor Jimmie Johnson last week in the Coca-Cola 600 he said: ``I know I have the talent and ability to do the job. It just reaffirms that. ''(in part from the Miami Herald - need to register to view)(6-4-2004)





Sam

 

[Bill Lins]

I'd be willing to bet that if Mikey leaves, NAPA'll go with him. DEI might want to think about that, as hard as it's getting to find & keep primary sponsors.

 

[crobertson1]

Thanks Ram4Sam, I had no idea Dale Jr was in charge at DEI, and he's my driver. I'd love to see Waltrip stay at DEI but it does seem like the 15 and 8 teams don't work that well together, (at least the crew chiefs don't).

 

[Ram4Sam]

CR, I believe that Teresa(the widow Earnhardt, Jr's stepmom) and Dale jr own DEI together and there are occaisional rumors of Jr buying out his stepmom. Here are a couple of good sites for the latest poop on Nascar.



www.jayski.com



www.thatsracin.com



Sam

 

[DGFoster]

Stoddard is claiming he never said it,he says Mikey is a close friend.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

There were rumors in the off season that DEI had been talking to RCR about a buyout.



I imagine Teresa will keep her pocket book tied tightly to that goldmine.

 

[crobertson1]

Like what?