tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post2988165093220080883..comments2024-01-11T19:29:38.859-05:00Comments on Life in the Turn Lane: There simply are no simple answersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-30163768185463348312008-12-13T06:03:00.000-05:002008-12-13T06:03:00.000-05:00Well, the last few posts have confirmed it. What ...Well, the last few posts have confirmed it. What they indicate is exactly what has been a big part of NASCAR's downfall....Lack of respect for tradition. Respecting tradition does not prohibit making progress, but does have a way of showing what works and what doesn't. Why would someone want to hammer on Richard Petty, the most fan friendly sports figure on the planet? I'm willing to bet that the fannies you'll see forking out the bucks to attend races during this recession are going to be the very same ones NASCAR turned its back on when it started yanking dates from Rockingham and Darlington. Heck, California couldn't fill the stands when everyone had money.<BR/><BR/>As for dropping the hammer on Kyle, why blame him for who his dad is? Just being Richard's son doesn't mean you expect anything, even if you get it. And I wonder how many out there would continue racing at all had they been through what Kyle went through with Adam? I think it took courage on Kyle's part to keep racing and run the business at the same time, regardless of what the results were.<BR/><BR/>My opinion only, and hate to step on toes, but this sport was a lot better before it exploded and became the "in" thing. 20 years ago you could walk into any major teams' shop and look around and take pictures of the cars being built and readied for the next race. Sponsors would send you free hats and patches and decals. Camping at all the tracks was free. Drivers were not forced to sprint from the racecar to the hauler to avoid being mobbed. And the main focus of most of the fans camping at the track was the race, not partying. (Those "biggest NASCAR fan" TV ads are disgusting, and yes I drink beer and I'm not a prude) Sure, there have always been drunks at the races, and always will be, but that was not why an overwhelming majority of fans were there.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand I will say that given what it cost to camp at and attend a race now, fans have a right to demand close finishes and competition. But I don't think that everyone becoming so obsessed with a "level playing field" and penalizing (immediately most times) every team that gains a slight advantage is a good thing. Maybe only 3 to 5 cars or teams had a legitimate shot to win back in the 60' and 70's, but it cost $25 for a ticket and camping was free. And if you'll check history, there were some very thrilling races and finishes, without the benefit of "debris cautions" and that stupid "green/white/checkered" junk. Those were real finishes, not something dictated by NASCAR through the use of the rule book and the caution flag. NASCAR stepped in when it needed to at times as with the Superbirds, big blocks, etc. But it was far less often than now. <BR/><BR/>Ok, so I'm an old fart, living in the past. Sue me. And to show I can laugh at myself here's a question:<BR/><BR/>How many old NASCAR fans does it take to change a light bulb? <BR/><BR/>A: Three. One to change the light bulb, and two to tell you how good the old one was.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-23344145072230443962008-12-13T00:12:00.000-05:002008-12-13T00:12:00.000-05:00And the Pettys never asked for anything handed to ...And the Pettys never asked for anything handed to them. <BR/> Oh yea 9 or 10 championships. <BR/>And tell me if all of Richards real7 championships (not these chase fellfare ones) were handed to himAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-48353013300353411982008-12-13T00:06:00.000-05:002008-12-13T00:06:00.000-05:00Greed 3 races in 24 years Lets see I think 262 wi...Greed 3 races in 24 years <BR/> Lets see I think 262 wins in 60 years on less money and more pure love of RACING. <BR/><BR/>You must be some new fan Anonymous 41 <BR/>I have seen this sport for 40 yrs. <BR/>First race Langley Speedway Hampton Va 1968.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-37122311243403838502008-12-12T23:53:00.000-05:002008-12-12T23:53:00.000-05:00GREED:Wanting what someone else has--but not by wo...GREED:<BR/><BR/>Wanting what someone else has--but not by working for it, by having it handed to you.<BR/><BR/>Dodge drivers:<BR/><BR/>Kurt: 1 win, 5 top5s, 10 top 10s<BR/><BR/>Ryan:1 pole,1 win, 2 top 5s,8 top10<BR/><BR/>Kasey:2poles,2wins,4top5s,14top10<BR/><BR/>Kyle P: 0 wins,0 top5,0 top 10Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-51540743535063069472008-12-12T23:24:00.000-05:002008-12-12T23:24:00.000-05:00GREED:Charging people for the last 24 years and on...GREED:<BR/><BR/>Charging people for the last 24 years and only winning 3 races.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-10074009344648577212008-12-12T22:06:00.000-05:002008-12-12T22:06:00.000-05:00When Nascar started letting owners have 3 4 and 5...When Nascar started letting owners have 3 4 and 5 teams it was the begining of the end. All the money going to one owner. (GREED) <BR/> Roush-5<BR/> HMS-4<BR/> RCR-4<BR/> Gibbs-3<BR/> DEI/Ganassi-4<BR/> GEM-3 maybe 4<BR/> Yates really Roush-3<BR/> <BR/>Total-27 cars 7 owners (GREED) <BR/><BR/>15 to 30 mill one team (GREED)<BR/><BR/>Nascar competing for the sponsor dollar against the owners. (GREED) <BR/> <BR/>Nascar, ISC (GREED)<BR/> <BR/> The answer 2 cars to one owner or one team or in the name of one company. <BR/> <BR/>Answer spending cap. Ten mill per Car.<BR/> <BR/><BR/>Answer The Frances need to decide if they want to own Nascar or ISC.<BR/> <BR/> These answers are to simple for the owners ,Nascar they can't see through (GREED) money blinds the best of people.<BR/> Winning at any cost. (Roush ,HMS couldn't beat RCR, Dale Sr so lets spend more.)I am not a fan of RCR or Dale Sr. I do miss him he would be a real man and tell the truth about this mess. He would tell Brain (I wish I was Donald Trump) France he has messed up the whole thing its more about money and not about the racing. <BR/> <BR/>Thats why Petty is in trouble. Its about racing not about having 500 people work on 2 or 3 cars. These guys did it with 10 or 15 people to do the job of 100 when racing was racing. <BR/> I am sick of the whole thing I really don't care anymore I hope Bobby Labonte gets a great ride he is a real racer just like Terry and D.W. Dale Sr. and Richard Petty. <BR/> Well I have had my say Merry ChristmasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-49344855264391492972008-12-12T17:09:00.000-05:002008-12-12T17:09:00.000-05:00The problem with David Poole and his thinking,whic...The problem with David Poole and his thinking,which turns into his writing is this...<BR/>He's a LIBERALAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-11851130327229275882008-12-12T14:52:00.000-05:002008-12-12T14:52:00.000-05:00Mike Daly you are just weird, that's all anyone ca...Mike Daly you are just weird, that's all anyone can say for you, just weird. Gawd help you man cause there ain't much else out there can help you. And speaking of out there: I can't believe that you think two Democratic congressman were responsible for part of the mess we find ourselves in. It's just incredible. You must be on some powerful stuff -- red bull #9 -- or something to really have the thoughts that you make public. Who represented Freddi and Fannie but some of the most powerful REPUBLICAN lobbyists on the planet? Huh? What did your hero Newt (Contract with Anyone but America) Gingrich do in this effort? Huh? Go ahead, do your research and come back and tell us what Gingrich did for Freddie and Fannie. No regs Repubs was the Order of the Day and no regs disaster is what we got. There is so much blame to go around the last 8 years no one can even find the rug where to start. I know that you have all the answers, though--all in that little head of yours--for us all to hear. Go ahead Big Boy, make your case. Go show us how two (or 5 or 10 or 100) lil ole Dems screwed up what the Repubs in the majority the last 6 of the last 8 years had. Go ahead and spalin how all those checks and balances that Repubs had in place were wiped away by these lil ole liberals. We won't mention the majorities in Congress or in the cabinet or in the regulatory arena or on wall street or on main street or in campaign contributions or in judicial rulings appointments and the like or in the sheer number of federal and state lobbyists or the statehouses themselves or just about every facet of american society the last 8 years the majority of this place has been in R and corporate control. Go ahead tell us how two lil ole Dems made a mockery of that infrastructure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-75747897716115689402008-12-12T09:43:00.000-05:002008-12-12T09:43:00.000-05:00Speaking of unions, I remember when Petty tried to...Speaking of unions, I remember when Petty tried to force France to go union. That move could have cost Petty his career. Thank goodness Petty lost.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-37978000941327534782008-12-12T09:20:00.000-05:002008-12-12T09:20:00.000-05:00It sure is silly to blame individual owners for th...It sure is silly to blame individual owners for the state of NASCAR. NASCAR has a lot of rules, and as long as they play by the rules, they should receive no criticism. <BR/><BR/>The new buildings/campuses by the top teams are great. They bring tourists, they have used safer materials (no asbestos/lead), they are energy effecient, they have better handicapp access, the wiring and wireless allow for the latest in electronic equiment. They also employed countless people (architects, engineers, welders, carpeters, plumbers, landscapers, electicians, heavy equipment operators,etc) which made it good for the local economy. <BR/><BR/>How does Petty, operating out of town in an antiquated building good for NASCAR? I mean 3 race wins in 24 years?!!! I just wonder what Petty did with all his money? He had more than Hendricks/Roush/ Childress, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-49960997016219231842008-12-12T08:47:00.000-05:002008-12-12T08:47:00.000-05:00anon 11:56pmI guess there are always going to be p...anon 11:56pm<BR/><BR/>I guess there are always going to be people who want to tell others how to spend their money. THIS IS NOT CUBA, OR RUSSIA!!<BR/><BR/>Read the history of all the men you mentioned. See how they got to where they are today. THEY DID NOT STEAL THE MONEY!<BR/><BR/>I can see how many people are going to use the state of the economy to blame for their bad business practices. <BR/><BR/>Ask around the garage. How many people would rather work for Petty or Hendrick/Childress/Gibbs/Roush, etc? <BR/><BR/><BR/>anon@12:17<BR/><BR/>You make a great point. Unions can get you lots of money, but they cannot guarantee you have a job. There are fewer union jos now than ever in history. <BR/><BR/>I have been a union worker for 34 years. Not because I wanted to but to protect myself from other union workers. There were so many horrible employees, but have kept their jobs because of the union. It has cost my organization and the public millions and millions of dollars.<BR/><BR/>When I was young, I worked in a building that had an elevator operator in each elevator. At one point, the elevators were upgraded to push-button, but the company (forced by the union contract) had to pay the operators to push the buttons! <BR/>What was interesting was that we the public could push our own buttons when the operator was on a coffee break, lunch break, dentist appointment,or after 5pm. Go figure!<BR/><BR/>The railroad is another example of bad union contracts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-78175569434528937282008-12-12T08:18:00.000-05:002008-12-12T08:18:00.000-05:00Here's my uninformed/former racer/working stif...Here's my uninformed/former racer/working stiff slant on all this BS. Could it be that nascar has finally outspent& outgrown it's self? Perhaps the collapsing economy is just magnifying the major flaws in thier business model? They have managed to force me to stop attending races because of the costs(I have a 100K household income). In my opinion, this can be directly attributed to the fact these teams need a large fortune in sponsorships and prize money just to make the monthly nut. David, you say they are the best so spending limits are bad, well have you considered perhaps they are not "the best"? Let's face it, Even the COTs are still 65 galaxy front ends with chevy truck trailing armed rear ends With rreeallly sticky tires and huge HP engines. And 3400lbs? come on! Either lose all the R&D crap(including engineers), or put them to work and turn nascar into a run-what-you-brung, F1 TYPE series. Yes the drivers and crews are very good their given tasks, but are they the best in the world at it? Do they deserve basiclly unlimited budgets for- go to end of the straightaway and turn left?(I know it's more than that, but still) Maybe our country has finally outgrown a series based on 'shine runners cars? I hope the entire series and all of the support series collapse under their own weight. Maybe we can salvage something good from the rubble.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-11180661914979673122008-12-12T00:17:00.000-05:002008-12-12T00:17:00.000-05:00Really, really hate to get into politics, but scre...Really, really hate to get into politics, but screw the UAW. It doesn't take an economist to figure out that someone making $20 per hour can't afford a car built by someone making $47 per hour. Including benefits, UAW workers make over $80 per hour, while non-union Toyota workers make about $50, including benefits. Is Toyota asking for government assistance? And I really hate defending Toyota, 'cause to me they shouldn't even be allowed in NASCAR.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-49235116979489613082008-12-12T00:08:00.000-05:002008-12-12T00:08:00.000-05:00NASCAR began making this sport all about money in ...NASCAR began making this sport all about money in the mid to late 1980's when they began giving "concessions" (i.e. different spoiler heights) to uncompetitive makes of cars as opposed to making them go back and build something competitive. From there it has progressed to allowing a manafacturer who has never sold a production, push-rod, V8 engine. Rules changes and schedule changes have been soley in the name of greed, minus a few safey innovations, of which some were really good (softwalls, HANS, etc). But otherwise, if something major changes in this sport these days, you will find, if dig deep enough, there's more money in it for NASCAR. Case in point. When Big Bill built Daytona, Coca-Cola took no interest in supplying their product to the track. And Mr. France stated that no Coke products would ever be sold at ISC tracks. Now, Coca-Cola has naming rights for the July race in Daytona. Apparently, no principle is too sacred for NASCAR to make a buck.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-10070027964597820752008-12-11T23:56:00.000-05:002008-12-11T23:56:00.000-05:00Simply put, the sport got too "fat". Nothing agai...Simply put, the sport got too "fat". Nothing against any of these teams, but look at the grand halls of Hendrick, Childress, Roush,and Gibbs namely. Does it really take a building that fancy and plush to build a competitive race car? Probably not, but it may take that to attract a sponsor who's willing to pony up those big bucks. But now here we are with those type of funds in very short supply. What type of cutbacks would major teams have been forced to make if their facilities had been a little more realistic? The whole sport might be in better shape right now if more teams had shops similar to the old Petty Enterprises, Wood Brothers, or Bud Mooore. I'm not advocating anyone working in archaic or unclean conditions. But a fancy building does not make a racecar go faster. I'm just saying that one look at the "Taj-Mahals" some of these teams have screams that someone was paying or making way too much money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-89481478576824947652008-12-11T20:57:00.000-05:002008-12-11T20:57:00.000-05:00Boy, there are some dumb people on here. What raci...Boy, there are some dumb people on here. What racing needs is John McCain to come to more races. Then he can help his Republican buddies in the Senate kill the UAW (who has sponsored races) and take out GM and Chrysler and Ford, and then you dumb-a** sons of Beaches will be scratching your heads and saying "where did that Bristol race go? Where did that Talladega race go? What happened to my little fantasy world where I'm not responsible for anything and my politicians aren't responsible for anything and it must be the fault of BILL CLINTON or something.<BR/>Then maybe you'll figure out that the reason your hands are sore is because your knuckles scrape the ground when you walk........!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-34812134574930266142008-12-11T16:04:00.000-05:002008-12-11T16:04:00.000-05:00My earlier Rant about Mike Helton was meant tongue...My earlier Rant about Mike Helton was meant tongue in cheak. I completely understand we need to do that but I still think NASCAR could do more than we ever could. Besides they have stolen so many good sponsors and run others off with exclusive deals just for THEM. It really breaks my heart that good teams lost sponsors to NASCAR. They negotiated it away from a team. That is wrong.. Can you say COORS LIGHT??E-Tickethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03373431350836360535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-35433022574380295432008-12-11T15:36:00.000-05:002008-12-11T15:36:00.000-05:00After every Cup race Jayski has a bit where they s...After every Cup race Jayski has a bit where they show the breakdown for the exposure of the cars shown on tv. Unlike what is a popular saying, it is not only the top 12 that are featured. They show far many more cars and many more times than is claimed. There is also another orgnaization that figures out the value of each exposure. So, while the top drivers get the loin's share, the other driver get some too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-34166904025133726212008-12-11T15:17:00.000-05:002008-12-11T15:17:00.000-05:00There is nothing wrong for wanting the highest sal...There is nothing wrong for wanting the highest salary you can get for what you do. We are not slaves. If an owner offers you more, we'll take more.<BR/><BR/>I work in a union "shop." And when my organization was having financial problems, we (the regular rank and file) stated we would give up a raise so no positions would be lost. The union said NO! They said it would impact employees all over the US if the signal was sent that we were willing to work for less. <BR/><BR/>You take whatever the market will bare. Just because movies are not making as much does not mean Tom Cruise or Angelina will work for less than $20mil, or whatever. If the Yankees will give CC $161mil, why shouldn't he take it? <BR/><BR/>A lot of drivers live according to their earnings. Like many people, if I make $10mil, that's my lifestyle. If I make $50K, then that's my lifestyle. You cannot suddely ask people to give up half their salaries. Some drivers support their extended families. That means their parents and siblings. They own a home in NC and one in their home town. Some have foundations and have made long-term commitments to support a certain charity (like a hospital). <BR/><BR/>Most well-paid folks don't make their money, put it in pile and stare at it. THEY SPEND IT. That's good for America. Jeff Gordon said something that made me think he had regrets for spending so much on his motor coach. I think he is wrong. I went to an event that featured Provost coaches. They cost about $1mil when new. But guess what? It's regular folks that make them. It's regular folks that sell them. It's regular folks that maintain them. Thank goodness there are people that can afford to buy them. <BR/><BR/>With the increase in the price of gas, a lot of regular folks are no longer buying or upgrading to bigger and new more expensive coaches. That's bad for the industry. I hope they don't go the way of boat builders. At least the rich, like NASCAR drivers, will still own and drive them. (It's also good for the truck series.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-1873541187866427252008-12-11T15:13:00.000-05:002008-12-11T15:13:00.000-05:00The problem is lack of sponsors! The cost to spon...The problem is lack of sponsors! The cost to sponsor a race car is exceeding the amount companies are willing to spend on sponsorship. The ecomonic problems only emphasis this problem. NASCAR teams have had problems keeping and attacting sponsors for at least 3 years. The governing body didn't help this problem by signing their own exclusive agreements with Sprint, Sunoco, etc... AT&T didn't leave because they didn't have the money they were forced to leave. Same with Altel, Exxon/Mobil, etc..<BR/>The other issue is if you are not in the chase, you are not on TV. Why spend money if your product will not be seen?<BR/>You can say run better, you will be in TV...well duh! But it's hard to do that when you can't get the sponsors to get the money to get the better equipment, driver, etc... You get caught in the cycle and sadly the pioneers of the sport disappear because they didn't keep up or got bit by the money game. <BR/>I doubt we will have 43 cars for most races and the stands will be empty.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-82977804176856220602008-12-11T12:23:00.000-05:002008-12-11T12:23:00.000-05:00What ever happen to drivers racing simply because ...What ever happen to drivers racing simply because they loved to? Have the NASCAR drivers gone the way of the MLB, NFL and NBA where money is more important then the sport?<BR/><BR/>I'm all for cutting back on expenses to help keep a full field. I think the worse thing that could happen is only have 15 -20 cars at a race. It will be like the CART where only the rich can afford to have a car. NASCAR needs to look at cheaper motors and simplifing where possible to cut back on expenses. The only way to keep sponsors interested is to give them a good value for the money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-45654829581156507442008-12-11T11:29:00.000-05:002008-12-11T11:29:00.000-05:00Anonymous #23 - slowing down the government ultima...Anonymous #23 - slowing down the government ultimately is the answer. <BR/><BR/>As for the recession, there is a lot of weirdness to it, shown <A HREF="http://mjperry.blogspot.com/2008/12/without-az-ca-fl-and-nv-foreclosures.html" REL="nofollow">in foreclosure data showing a disproportionate centralization of recent foreclosures.</A>Monkeesfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14522953722006761283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-91733538921077833622008-12-11T11:24:00.000-05:002008-12-11T11:24:00.000-05:00I'm not sure how much of the NASCAR community blam...I'm not sure how much of the NASCAR community blames the unions for the problems they are facing. But of course the union had some part in it. I have beena union worker for 34 years. The management of my union was no better than the management of the organization. They all want power and that includes both sides. <BR/><BR/>A huge part of the blame goes to the government. They don't know how to run anything well (IRS, post office, etc), but they want to make laws that make heavy burdens on corporations. <BR/><BR/>An example are the airbags. The government made laws, without proper research, and mandated the auto industry to implement it at a huge cost to the public. Then when babies started dying due to the airbags, the govenment said "Whoops, my bad." Hey, if you want to avoid all car related deaths- get rid of all cars. <BR/><BR/>Every time they make a new law, the manufactores have to retool, re-train, dump supplies, buy supplies, etc. <BR/><BR/>I hope this recession will slow down goverment and all their laws.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-86875082105854452282008-12-11T11:18:00.000-05:002008-12-11T11:18:00.000-05:00Anonymous #17, he never ignored it, he tried to ge...Anonymous #17, he never ignored it, he tried to get through it. BTW, how were they "in trouble" when they were winning races again in the latter 1990s?Monkeesfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14522953722006761283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24366637.post-73389719231917161802008-12-10T23:40:00.000-05:002008-12-10T23:40:00.000-05:00Mr. Poole,Reporters like you are exactly why newsp...Mr. Poole,<BR/><BR/>Reporters like you are exactly why newspapers are going under across the nation.<BR/><BR/>Although this piece is your opinion, why is there a need to inject your politics? I come to a racing site to read about racing. Not to read dribble about politics. <BR/><BR/>Next time time when you feel the need to spew your political opinion, take a moment, stuff your face, and remember what your job is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com