He Said,
She Said: Robby and Dale Spin, Tony Taps and Kyle Moves On
August 10, 2007
Everett
Mugg and Debbi Willis - SCR
Robby Gordon: Complete Shmuck or Not?
He Said: Robby Gordon’s behavior in the Busch race at Montreal
was perhaps the worst example of sportsmanship I have ever seen. Why NASCAR did not red flag the race and remove him from
the track when he refused to line up in his proper position is a mystery. The class that Marcos Ambrose showed in his post
race interview was especially refreshing given the circumstances. Having been cheated out of his first win by a classless
and childish act of a petulant bully, Ambrose responded as the Champion he is.
“When I came over
here I made a promise to myself that I was going to be happy no matter what I was dealt,” said the two time Australian
V8 Champion. “If somebody is going to take me out, they’re going to take me out. If they feel strong enough, they’re
going to do it. I’m not going to go into it. I’m disappointed; I promised myself that I wouldn’t get mad.
This is an opportunity for me over here. I’m thankful for what I’ve been given and today is a bad day, but tomorrow
we’ll look to next week. I’m pleased that I’m here and holding my own against some of America’s
best.”
However, showing the smallest
bit of class, Gordon is putting Ambrose behind the wheel of the No. 77 Robby Gordon Motorsports Ford Fusion for this weekends
Cup race at Watkins Glen. It will be Ambrose’s first Cup start.
“The first reason
is that it’s unfortunate that Marcos got put in a position in Montreal where
I was thinking, ‘OK, if I’m not going to win, he’s not going to win,” said Gordon. “At the same
time, I think he’s a talented race-car driver, and obviously he has the ability to compete at the highest level. He
showed that last weekend in the Busch race, and I felt that this opportunity would be a make-up.”
That is more than Tony
Stewart has ever done after one of his little temper tantrums.
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She Said: I say he’s a schmuck. Though Robby is undeniably
a talented driver, he is his own worst enemy. NASCAR did as they had to do and tried in vain, to minimize a complete
embarrassment as Robby made a total ass of himself burning out as the victor opposite the true winner, Kevin Harvick in front
of all Canada’s fans.
Now you ponder if he’s
not such a “schmuck”? Yes, he still is. Because he just keeps doing what he does without any forethought of consequences
or appearances or big picture consideration. Marcos lost the victory in Montreal at an inaugural race against some of the best of the Busch Series from
the world famous sport of NASCAR. That’s a moment that can’t be recaptured and undone. And this weekend, he’s
generously giving his No. 77 car to Marcos so Marcos can make his first Nextel Cup start at Watkins Glen in order to make
up for robbing him of his previous opportunity. Personally, I say, so what! It’s not like Robby’s equipment is
the cream of the crop and Marcos is going to sail through this race, though he may teach Robby a thing or two if that’s
possible and Robby’s listening!
Furthermore, the whole
“give Marcos a ride” is to embarrass NASCAR as well. Robby was a bad boy. He acts like a spoiled brat who’ll
have his way no matter what, then take the punishment (sitting out ONE race while someone else gets to put his car out there
for him-hardly similar to Harvick’s historical being parked from three divisions) and then probation and a $35,000 fine.
What a joke! NASCAR must be bored or needs something other than Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch to fill their
news.
As for Marcos Ambrose
and his attitude, it’s the best! He made you smile with him despite his loss, his poor treatment by a fellow racer and
his bad luck being around the same space as Robby Gordon. He’ll be fun to cheer on this week as he hopefully BEATS Gordon
in Gordon’s own car.
Tony, Tony, Tony….
She Said: What can one say about someone who claims best friendship
with someone he drives for and then states that he’s sorry he hit him so hard, but "We had more to lose than gain in
that situation," said Tony Stewart. I really need that explained to me because I cannot see the difference! Both of them had
won before, both were running strong, both could race each other, and Stewart’s higher in the points than his team owner
Kevin Harvick is so what all did Stewart have to lose? Just the victory and obviously it didn’t matter to him how he
got it, he was taking it. Someday the tables will be turned and he’ll be challenged by his “best friend”
to overcome the same feelings. I just hope he can.
He Said: Friends are friends and racing is racing. Harvick has shown in the past that he will use the chrome
horn for a pass so what is the big deal? At least Tony did not use his usual lame “He checked up” excuse. As far
as what to gain? When the points are reset for the last ten races bonus points will be awarded for wins. Every point
counts.
She Said: Any excuse with Tony is still an excuse and he always has one.
His statement was lame and he’s depending on that friendship to weather the “bump.” Racing is racing,
fortunately, and as Harvick said, “I'll get over it, at some point”. So will I, as long as that tumble in so many
positions with a second place car didn't cost Harvick the Chase in the end.
Busch to Gibbs and Gibbs to Toyota?
He Said: I view the announcement of Kyle Busch moving to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) to drive the No. 18 car next year
with mixed feelings. Busch is without a doubt the biggest talent on the free market and Gibbs is among the top three teams.
From that standpoint the match is perfect and the 18 team should be contending for the championship in 2008. But the downside
is Brad Coleman. I will admit I was hoping to see Brad Coleman in the 18 car next year. Coleman is running a limited number
of starts for JGR in the Busch series is one of the most talented young drivers around. Unless Gibbs adds a fourth car it
will be virtually impossible for him to break into Cup with Gibbs, unless Tony Stewart quits driving. No matter how good Coleman
is no team owner would put Denny Hamlin, Stewart, or Busch out of a ride. The three are without a doubt three of the best
drivers in the Cup series. A full time Busch ride next season is an option, but Coleman could learn as much driving against
the full Cup field in Cup as he can competing against half the Cup field driving in Busch.
The Gibbs to Toyota
rumors just won’t die. Toyota desperately needs a real team to field their
cars and Gibbs as stated above is one of the top three teams. Toyota reportedly
is quite eager to get its hands on the engine department of Gibbs. Wooing Gibbs away from Chevrolet would be a major coup
for Toyota who has faced a tough first year in Cup with only mid tier teams running
their brand.
She Said: I’m actually surprised and not impressed with this
move, if it happens. Somehow something doesn’t feel right about this whole scenario. Busch is very capable and I feel
far better a choice than J.J. Yeley any day, however, it’s not a good precedent that powerhouse drivers can be jumping
ship OR being tossed overboard only to make other teams toss someone overboard to acquire them. We used to have silly season,
now it’s just musical drivers!
As for Toyota
to Gibbs, my sources tell me there are many restrictions on working with Toyota
and Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) has taken a great deal of heat for being so restricted. Some of these restrictions involve
not building your own engines, Toyota does it for them. And when it blows, they
pull it and ship it as is for the factory to figure it out. Gibbs is used to being their on engine shop. If Toyota’s
finally ready to make that move then perhaps they’re considering a similar engine program with JGR and MWR that Richard
Childress Racing (RCR) and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) share? And with that, I can see tremendous benefits and data beginning
to make sense finally. But the bottom line is that I’ll have to see the confirmed news headline on this proposed change
as I believe Chevy likes being with JGR a lot and it will not be easy for JGR to walk away.
Do Roads (Courses) Have to Go?
He Said: I know we’ve covered it before but I only get two chances a year to write of my love of seeing
Cup cars on a road track. The number of great road course drivers in NASCAR just seems to be increasing. Jeff Gordon, Tony
Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Casey Mears, Mark Martin, Robby Gordon, Juan Pablo Montoya, Ricky Rudd, Denny Hamlin, and both Busch
brothers (Kurt and Kyle) come quickly to mind when thinking of “road race aces” among regular Cup drivers. Then
there are the inevitable substitute drivers from road racing series’ that get a chance to drive in Cup such as Boris
Said, Ron Fellows, Greg Pruett, and PJ Jones. The truly talented drivers shine on road courses and there is always excitement
all around the track, whether it is the first or last lap. Pit strategy is very important as track position is the key to
victory. At last count there are 48 cars entered. I love road races so much I will even be sad to miss the Busch race on Saturday.
The road races are the only Busch races I make a concerted effort to watch anymore since they have become a love fest for
half the Cup field instead of a training ground for new drivers and teams.
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She Said: I’m still not a road race fan. It’s too many
turns, too confusing to track and just plain boring at times. However, with that said, all the drivers you’ve listed,
save a couple, they do make it more interesting for me but still not one of my key interests. Outside of betting on how soon
Earnhardt or Dale Jarrett find a sand trap, road courses just don’t excite me much. I prefer the ovals.
Finally, How About Jr.’s Smart Driving Skills!
She Said: Staying true to his nature, Dale Earnhardt Jr. conducted
another press conference after Pocono to discuss his future with the press. Coolly enjoying the volley of questions, Dale
Jr. answered some without any concerns, and a couple that took him back like when queried about how much better Kurt is on
road courses. It’s actually a funny reaction as Jr. point blank asks, “Are you sure about that?” Right beside
him throughout this conference is Denny Hamlin, who’s trying unsuccessfully not to look bored. When one reporter questions
Dale Jr. about his spin out, like can he explain it, Denny doesn’t hesitate to jump in with the answer loud and clear:
“a lot of driving skill.” Naturally this brought a lot of laughs as the message was obvious that Dale Jr. had
created his own caution with that spin but this time didn’t announce it before hand. That caution provided the much
needed shock change to correct a poor crew chief choice and Dale Jr. got the job done. That was a smart move, especially since
it’s not provable. Unlike Bristol
a few years ago, Dale kept perfectly quiet and executed a very skillful move. Fans may be shocked to think their driver is
incapable of this but I’d rather think ‘what skill!’ instead of fear the worst.
Now Robby, THAT is how
a driver learns from past mistakes and makes smart choices within the boundaries of NASCAR!
He Said: Jr.’s recent finishes at road courses have not demonstrated his skill at them. Realizing very early
on that he was not as good at road courses as he wanted, Jr. took steps to improve. He got Boris Said to teach him. Unfortunately
bad luck seems to dog him as if it owns him on the roadies now. His mishaps are caused by others running him over, not him
running out of talent. As far as the spin, drivers will do what they need to do to try to win. As his improvement on road
courses indicates, Jr. is definitely capable of learning from his mistakes. Last time he spun himself out it cost him money
and points because he announced it over the radio. This time he practiced the old saying, “never pass up an opportunity
to keep your mouth shut.” Same maneuver, different results. All is well that ends well.
2006 StockCar Review.
