Comments on: Young Drivers Trying To Weather Economic Storm

By: Walkertucky

Walkertucky — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:51:06 +0000

I am a Chad Blount fan. He has gotten some bad breaks with sponsors pulling out and races drying up. Al he needs is some decent backing, and a good ride and I think he can run with the BIG dogs with no troubles! But money is the bottom line and right now money is tight. I can only hope next year is better all the way around for ALL the drivers.
Keep ‘em running!

By: Newracefan

Newracefan — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:27:06 +0000

TC Journo I also much prefer these, I am so over JM and all that mess.
I really feel for these up and coming racers. Does anyone really think Lowes would have gone with Jimmie Johnson in this economy based on his steller (sarcasm alert) Busch series results. There are probably other Jimmie’s out there who we will never see even NW or trucks.
I know fan perception of start and park drivers is not the greatest but does the garage think the same or do most understand that feeding the family takes presedence?

By: T.C.

T.C. — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:04:36 +0000

I’m busted… You caught me Neon.

And knob, it’s Ms. Ross…

By: knobcreekfan

knobcreekfan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:10:21 +0000

Mr. Ross – too funny.

By: Neon

Neon — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:09:29 +0000

So TC you are actually Paul Tracy? Case closed!

http://alexintoronto.wordpress.com/2006/10/12/paul-tracey-cape-mask/

By: Ross

Ross — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:31:30 +0000

Neon said: Just food for thought: I bet if me, Knob, Window, TC & Journo (both w/ masks on of course) …

Funny you should mention that. Check out this cool pic of Licker, T.C. and Journo!

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41812000/jpg/_41812906_mexican-wrestlers416.jpg

By: knobcreekfan

knobcreekfan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:55:23 +0000

TC/Journo – ok, going off-topic and maybe this is better left for an ATIW, but while we are going to away from legal issues and suspensions….I have not seen you guys discuss the management changes at IMS. First Tony getting fired and now Joie resigning. Obviously, those changes are going to lead to lots of changes within that organization. And while not strictly NASCAR, I am curious what fallout you see from that.

By: Doug in CA

Doug in CA — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:26:26 +0000

It also reminds us that, as in any sport, drivers may be locked into racing, and there aren’t many other fields to go into. Making enough money to feed a family can be tough, and few of the people you mention will ever be Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon. I sure can’t say for certain that a youngster will do better financially running local tracks than building shocks or driving a start and park car.

By: Neon

Neon — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:17:27 +0000

I like to know what’s going on in the “race track trenches” and “garage bubble” from an Insiders perspective. The Carl Long saga was quite interesting until the legalism issues overcame the fairness of the fines discussion. As did with Mayfield. I’m done at that point.

Just food for thought: I bet if me, Knob, Window, TC & Journo (both w/ masks on of course) were sitting around a Daytona Beach table or bar one night, the crux of our conversation wouldn’t be about whether Jeremy does Meth or limited liabilities. I would hope it would be a heated racing based brawl!

In reference to the struggling young drivers looking for money and rides it makes me think that this phenomena (although nothing new) is but a microcosm of current society’s economic situation. Young fiery job candidates competing for only a few good job openings with relatively little experience vs. some mediocre performing players albeit with money backing butts filling seats.

By: knobcreekfan

knobcreekfan — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:02:29 +0000

Oh…and I did want to comment on the guys that are taking start & park rides. That is risky. While I understand they are wanting to stay in the garage and keep their name out there, put food on the table, etc… They are not truly showcasing their talent. Is it better to go run USAC and win races and run up front? Or run in the back during practice, maybe DNQ and park by lap 10?

Sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward.