Comments on: The Incredible Revolving Drivers

By: T.C.

T.C. — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:34:20 +0000

Lyn: This may be the first time we’ve been called dumb…

First, see Chelsea’s comment above for a little stat info regarding Reed NOT improving.

Second, easy on the profanity. We can’t allow language like that in the comment section.

Third, drivers have had success in Ganassi equipment since Reed has been there. Montoya has been solid including a win in 2007. They might not be on level with a Gibbs or Hendrick, but they’ve got a lot of smart folks working there. In terms of Reed not being able to drive a loose car, unfortunately for him, that’s what it takes for a COT to be fast. Ask Kyle Busch…

By: Chelsea

Chelsea — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:25:16 +0000

Reed’s first full year in Cup (2006) was his best, average finish wise.

2005 (2 races) – 34.5 avg finish.
2006 – 23.1 avg finish.
2007 – 24.4 avg finish.
2008 – 28.0 avg finish.
2009 (4 races) – 24.3 avg finish.

He’s dropped every year, aside from going from 2005 to 2006. It could be an equipment issue, it could be a crew chief issue, or it could be a driver issue. I don’t know.

Ganassi was far from competitive when Reed was there, but even now he isn’t really shining at RPM either like a lot of people thought he would be. Aside from Daytona, he’s finished 20th or worse in the last 3 races. Granted though, the last two weeks he has had issues (wrecked at Vegas and a mechanical failure at Atlanta).

As for Casey, I don’t think he’s really gotten an opportunity to develop a driver-crew chief relationship. It seems like whenever they get it just right, he switches teams or they switch crew chiefs on him. Casey’s a good driver – he just needs a real chance to form that bond with a crew chief and not be shoved out because the next “better” driver in on his way in.

And AJ – I totally agree that he deserves a full-time Cup ride. He’s been proving that ever since he got to RPM @ Martinsville last year. He had a rough two races at California and Vegas, but he rebounded nicely at Atlanta – probably would’ve finished better had he not been caught 2 laps down during that “running gasman” caution. Once he’s locked inside the top 35 after Bristol, the sponsors will probably be more willing to jump in and sponsor him. I have full confidence that they’ll find a way to run him the full season.

Wow, that was long…haha sorry if I bored anyone!

By: Graceann

Graceann — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:26:44 +0000

Although I agree about AJ deserving a ride, I also think Reed deserves a chance to adjust. There was never any focus put on Reed, no chance for development. IMO there is no confidence in the young man, with a little time he just might turn things around. Mears? I dunno, he is just a like able guy.

By: DJones

DJones — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:39:02 +0000

My roommate and I have this argument all the time about Mears and Sorensen in CUP. He defends them. After an incident with either of them, I say “and he has a ride?”

You can’t compare these drivers with JR and Mark. JR and Mark have had their shining moments, Mears and Sorensen, not so much.

Journo, I agree with you about Dinger. He deserves a full time ride.

By: Lyn

Lyn — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:32:59 +0000

Omg, you’re seriously Dumb. Reed Sorenson has not gotten worse all three years.. He improved his 2nd year.

2nd off all , HE CANT DO S— when his CARS ARE CRAP.. YOU can not be competitive.. He was hardly competitive because his cars wouldnt allow him to do so, and im not saying this just because i am a fan, I have listened to his team radio the last three years, going on four. and Let me tell you, when you cant turn your car because its too lose and you’re team is to dumb to know how to fix it there is a problem! noones EVER been competitive at Ganassi.

By: Zieke

Zieke — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:03:39 +0000

This driver deal is interesting. At least Mears and Sorensen are young guys and could possibly get something going. Face it people, there are only so many really good ones out there, and NASCAR has 43 cars to start every show. They need all the the talent they can get, and unfortunetly the sponsors have alot to say about who those drivers are. Most sponsors can’t tell a good driver from a good dustmop, but they have the money and know what they want to do with it. Speaking of Mikey, I hope Reutimann out does him big time this year so he can fulfill his retirement statement. Then Toyota can go out & hire their dream driver, and NAPA can actually see what they can get for a buck.

By: T.C.

T.C. — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:58:16 +0000

Dave: At this point, wouldn’t you have to say Casey Mears? Martin has failed to finish a couple of races. But you can’t judge a team or a season on four races. If you did, the schedule would only be four, not 36. But which driver is having a better season doesn’t change anything about the argument…

By: Bobby#7fan

Bobby#7fan — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:34:04 +0000

I’ts about time someone in Nascar stood and said this!!! Casey Mears is a joke. Having the surname Mears will get you quite a bit if leeway is seems. Lets not forget to add Paul Menard to this list. If his daddy were not writing huge checks he’d be trying to finish at a tiny dirt track in Wisconsin instead of trying to finish a race in Nascar.

It’s good work if you can get it though, if someone offered me millions of dollars to finish 40th every week I’d take it.

By: Dave Exner

Dave Exner — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:08:43 +0000

So who is having the better season, Mark Martin or Casey Mears?

By: Dennis

Dennis — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:21:48 +0000

I wonder if there are not some intangibles at play here as well. How good is a driver at personal appearances for the sponsor? Does he come across really well in sponsor meetings or does he come across as surly? I don’t profess to know the answers concerning these two drivers, but it is something to include in the equation. There are a number of journeyman drivers in NASCAR that seem able to hang onto rides only because of their value to the sponsor.