July

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="spin_out_zone_home.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Mike Harpers Spin Out Zone, NASCAR News "><U><B><IMG SRC="14ca9430.png" border=0 width="169" height="67" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <I><B>The Spin Out Zone column can be found at:</B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.racindeals.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.racindeals.com"><U><B><IMG SRC="13e7d470.gif" border=0 width="125" height="71" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Minicar" > <A NAME="the_spin_out_zone"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>The <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Comix" >Spin</FONT><FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Comix" > </FONT>Out <FONT SIZE="7" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Comix" >Zone</FONT></div> <div> <I><U>NASCAR OPINIONS - NEWS & INTERVIEWS</U></I></div> <div> <I>Nationally respected columnist Mike Harper's SpinOutZone.com</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >    </FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" >| </FONT><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spin Out Zone Inside the ARCA RE/MAX Se"><U><B>home</B></U></A><B>      back to  </B><A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Archive Spin Out Zone Columns"><U><B>Archive Spin Out Zone Columns</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>July 2004</B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="#darrell_waltrip_s_substitute_driver" TITLE="July"><U>Darrell Waltrip's Substitute Driver Rule Gets Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#tony_stewart_favoritism_and_nascar" TITLE="July"><U>Tony Stewart Favoritism and NASCAR Greed Get Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#mid_season_ncs_driver_performances_get" TITLE="July"><U>Mid-Season NCS Driver Performances Get Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#nascar_parenting_skills_and_fox_network" TITLE="July"><U>NASCAR Parenting Skills and FOX Networks Get Bumped</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="darrell_waltrip_s_substitute_driver"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Darrell Waltrip's Substitute Driver Rule Gets Bumped </U></B></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOutZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 7/27/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Darrell Waltrip does a good commercial. This past NASCAR champion also uses the mighty media pulpit to make his point clear and he does it well. Like millions of race fans who follow Waltrip, I agree with the majority of his opinions. I don't even mind his Boogity phrase prior to the start of each race anymore. As NASCAR pushes into the entertainment business I guess we all need a slight gimmick to catch the attention of new fans.</div> <bR> <div> For the most part ole' DW is a pretty swell guy, but his latest idea, an idea that he claims for years he's lobbied for is just simply an idea that should be left in the closet.</div> <bR> <div> I on the other hand, have decided to come out and say I must disagree with Waltrip's idea on implementing a rule for substitute drivers in NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> On Waltrip's bandwagon is his counterpart in crime and fellow NASCAR on Fox personality Jeff Hammond. Recently Hammond wrote in his column on Fox Sports, "NASCAR talks about the sport's progression when it introduces new rules, but splitting owner and driver points is a classic example of where they're stuck doing something that worked in the 1960s and mid to late '70's."</div> <bR> <div> Under the current system, both driver and owner receives points for running races. If at any point in the season a driver is injured or ill and misses a race, that driver receives no points for the missed race. This may cause a driver to loose many positions in the chase for the championship. However, the owner can place a substitute driver in the car and receive his or her share of the points. To simplify it, a driver runs for the driver's championship and the owner through entering his or her car in a race no matter who the driver is, runs for an owner's championship.</div> <bR> <div> You would think it was easy to understand right?</div> <bR> <div> Enter the team aspect! According to Waltrip, "Why should the entire team, sponsor and everybody else be penalized if something happens to the driver?" I understand Waltrip's position, however we find in more cases than not, its the driver's themselves who are the ones penalizing the sponsor, owner and team.</div> <bR> <div> During an off weekend for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr. raced in the American Le Mans Series in Sonoma, California. While practicing in his Chevrolet Corvette, Earnhardt Jr. backed the car into the wall and the car caught fire. Earnhardt Jr. sustained injuries including burns to his legs and chin. The injuries caused Earnhardt Jr. to exit his #8 DEI Chevrolet after 61 laps during the NEXTEL Cup Series race in New Hampshire the following weekend.</div> <div> In the opinion of Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Hammond, Earnhardt Jr. should have been able to take the New Hampshire weekend off to recover while another driver qualify, practice and start the race in his car. In addition to racing Earnhardt Jr.'s car, in their opinion Earnhardt Jr. would receive the substitute driver's finishing points to assist Earnhardt Jr.'s run for the driver's championship.</div> <bR> <div> Waltrip continues by saying, "Based on what we saw at Sonoma, it wouldn't surprise me if NASCAR put a substitute-driver rule in place in the very near future." I disagree. In my opinion, how does NASCAR benefit from implementing this rule? According to Waltrip, "I guarantee you that NASCAR is saying right now - What would we do if somebody like Dale Jr, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson or Jeff Gordon got hurt and couldn't compete in the last 10 races of the season or had to miss one or two of them. If you miss a race or have a bad one, you're pretty much eliminated from the Chase for the Championship so the leaders in Daytona Beach are mulling that one over right now."</div> <bR> <div> Darrell Waltrip may be absolutely correct about the leaders in Daytona Beach mulling over this issue, however one must come to the conclusion that if NASCAR were serious about their premier racing series, they would leave this flee alone.</div> <bR> <div> We have not seen a case where a flu bug is taking out NEXTEL Cup Series drivers causing NASCAR to implement some type of disaster recovery plan. Actually again I must say, when you look at this topic the clear conclusion is the greatest risk to drivers are in fact the drivers themselves.</div> <bR> <div> In the case of Earnhardt Jr., he didn't have to race the American Le Mans Series during the NEXTEL Cup Series off week. He made the choice to take the risk and it literally backfired on him. Today, he is injured and it would have not happened if he didn't choose to participate in a race that didn't benefit him. Earnhardt Jr. is not alone, many other drivers risk injury by participating in other series.</div> <bR> <div> Keep in mind I am not debating whether drivers should participate in other racing series, because that choice is up to them. The majority of fans enjoy seeing their favorite drivers race in any series. My point is, the drivers need to look at their given situation and decide if the risk is worth it. If it is, then the driver should shoulder the responsibility of letting down their team, sponsor and owner if injured. This is clearly not NASCAR's problem.</div> <bR> <div> Another thing, why would NASCAR support a rule that would create an open door policy for drivers? Sure, currently drivers can go race in other series that includes series that competes against NASCAR, but with no substitute driver rule in place as we find today, drivers still must think about the risk. That risk is loosing their primary ride.</div> <bR> <div> To be honest, Busch Series driver and Fox Sports Net personality Kenny Wallace got it right. Owners and sponsors will become more strict when it comes to drivers venturing out to other series when their driver is in the middle of the championship chase. In my opinion, NASCAR needs to do nothing because the sponsors will do the work for them.</div> <bR> <div> To counterpoint Jeff Hammond's comments about NASCAR being stuck doing something that worked in the 1960s and mid to late '70's, in my view, its still working. The sport is built on driver attraction and not team attraction. Yes, the driver needs the team to make it all happen, but the sponsor is not selling the #8 team shirts and caps, they selling and fans are buying Dale Earnhardt Jr.</div> <bR> <div> As for the team aspect, when a driver does well in the points, the owner is also doing well in the points. If the driver is injured, the owner and team can still win the owners championship by placing another driver in the car. We saw this happen when Richard Childress Racing's Kevin Harvick and Johnny Sauter shared their Busch Series ride. They earned enough points for the #21 car to win the title last year and even though the driver didn't win it, the team and owner did.</div> <bR> <div> At the end of the day, the current system works and unless NASCAR wants the inmates running the asylum they need to leave this topic under the desk.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - Darrell Waltrip's Substitute Driver Rule! Great guy, bad idea.</div> <bR> <div> Congratulations Lance Armstrong!</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 7/27/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="July"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="tony_stewart_favoritism_and_nascar"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Tony Stewart Favoritism and NASCAR Greed Get Bumped </U></B></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOutZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 7/17/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> If you're a big name driver with millions of loyal fans and you hold the key to a big money sponsorship, you are one of NASCAR's golden children, free from major punishment.</div> <bR> <div> Special treatment of professional athletes is common in our society. All major sports deal with it and NASCAR is no different. However, those in the garage and the fans of the sport are coming to realize that driver and sponsorship favoritism is becoming a serious problem in NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> Look at Tony Stewart.</div> <bR> <div> The 2002 NASCAR Champion has found himself once again fighting his critics. On and off track incidents this year has the media, fans and NASCAR insiders talking about what NASCAR should do with Stewart. After last weekend's debacle at Chicagoland Speedway, many believe Stewart has a free pass to do what he wants without any fear of NASCAR punishment.</div> <bR> <div> Evident from the crowd's booing reaction after Stewart won last weekend's race, his antics are beginning to wear down the fans, but most importantly his peers. Without question, NASCAR owners, drivers and crew chiefs are quickly loosing patience with Stewart and the #20 stable.</div> <bR> <div> To be fair to Stewart and his fans, in question is not his driving ability and talent because he is an extremely talented racecar driver. His willingness to give to charities and his kindness to those less fortunate is also not in question. However, what is in question is his ability to respect his peers and maybe even more important, NASCAR's inconsistent discipline policy.</div> <bR> <div> At Daytona, Busch Series driver Jason Leffler was stripped of his second place finish and moved to 13th place as a penalty for aggressive driving. Leffler spun out Michael Waltrip and blocked Dale Earnhardt Jr. all on the last lap of the race. The penalty cost Leffler over 40 driver points.</div> <bR> <div> At Chicagoland, Tony Stewart ran into the back of Kasey Kahne. Kahne, the race leader at the time was turned into the wall causing a nine-car pileup. Stewart was not penalized.</div> <bR> <div> This type of inconsistent punishment has become common practice when dealing with Stewart. Last year, drivers Jimmy Spencer and Kurt Busch were involved in a physical altercation. Spencer was suspended for one week and placed on probation for the rest of the racing year. Busch was fined and placed on probation as well.</div> <bR> <div> A few weeks ago, Stewart was involved in a physical altercation with driver Brian Vickers. Stewart received a $50,000 fine and lost 25 driver points. He was also placed on probation for 7 weeks. A penalty inconsistent with what was done in the past to a less popular driver.</div> <bR> <div> To kick the door open on this issue, after a 10-car accident on lap 230 of the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway back in October of 2002, Richard Childress said, "It's time NASCAR reviews some of these drivers who are constantly causing all the crashes."</div> <bR> <div> At the time, Todd Bodine was the driver in the hot seat for causing several incidents during the season. Following the Lowe's race, NASCAR placed Bodine on probation and was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR rulebook for "Actions detrimental to stock car racing: careless driving."</div> <bR> <div> John Darby, NASCAR Series Director said of the Bodine situation, "We've noticed numerous on-track incidents involving Todd and we felt this was the proper step to take at this time." NASCAR told Bodine as a direct result of his penalty, that if during the remaining season if another action by him that NASCAR deemed detrimental to the event or is disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, he would receive an indefinite suspension.</div> <bR> <div> Fast forward to the 2004 season, 25 cars have been wrecked or damaged from the bumper of Tony Stewart's #20 Home Depot Chevrolet. He has sparked a nine-car accident at Talladega and a seven-car accident at Chicagoland. Stewart has also had on-track incidents with Kasey Kahne three different times this year and we all wonder why Kahne's crew chief was upset last weekend. However, NASCAR does not take the same action against Stewart as they did with Bodine.</div> <bR> <div> At the end of the day according estimates, Tony Stewart has cost NASCAR owners well over three million dollars. Yes, $3,000,000.00 in damaged racecars this year.</div> <bR> <div> In addition to the on-track incidents, Stewart has been uncharacteristic in crashing into Terry Labonte on pit road, initiating a physical and verbal altercation with fellow drivers and walking out of a mandatory driver's meeting because he was tired of listening to his peers asking NASCAR officials questions.</div> <div> NASCAR's response to the issue has been "there was nothing that happened on the race track that we would term anything other than a racing incident" or it was a "racing incident and nothing more."</div> <bR> <div> In 2002, Bodine did not cause this type of wreckage or problems, however he was threatened with indefinite suspension. You've got to ask the question, why isn't Stewart being looked at in the same light as Bodine? Is it because Bodine wasn't a past champion? Is it because NASCAR is scared of Tony?</div> <bR> <div> I am hearing from the conspiracy theorists including one specific person that caught my attention. He is a long time Stewart fan from inside the Home Depot family who is tired of defending his favorite driver, Tony Stewart. His theory is Home Depot and NASCAR have an understanding about their relationship and how Stewart should be dealt with. In addition to sponsoring Stewart's car, Home Depot is an "official sponsor" of NASCAR. With that said, NASCAR slaps Tony on the wrist because they may be scared of loosing Home Depot's money or loosing both driver and sponsor to the Indy Racing League, an open wheel series that has Tony's interest. If true, with this power, Stewart knows he is in control and he can push the limit on the track. Please remember this is a theory from someone inside Home Depot, not my opinion.</div> <bR> <div> Todd Bodine's sponsor at the time of his incident was Discover Card, a competing sponsor with NASCAR's "official credit card sponsorship" from VISA. A few races after Bodine's penalty was delivered, Discover Card terminated their relationship with Bodine's team. They no longer sponsor a car in NASCAR, however they sponsor the pre-race show for NBC, who is rumored to be replaced by ABC/ESPN, when NBC's contract expires with NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> Maybe this gentleman has something. What else could explain the way NASCAR is dealing with Tony Stewart?</div> <bR> <div> Tony Stewart is a major personality in the sport and he is doing what he has to do to stay in the chase for the championship. Let me remind you, NASCAR is the one letting him get away with it. Like most children, they will test the patience of their parents until they find out what line they can't cross. Tony is actually doing this and so far in the eyes of NASCAR, he hasn't cross the line yet.</div> <bR> <div> The downside for Tony is he must deal with the respect issues of the garage and to be blunt, he isn't finding much respect right know except from those who are in his pocket.</div> <bR> <div> NASCAR owners have jumped on the bash Stewart bandwagon including Busch Series owner Terry Bradshaw. During Speed TV's broadcast last week of NBS 24/7, Bradshaw was shown mocking Stewart and joking about how Stewart's medication must not be working, referring to Stewart's anger management classes that he took a few years ago to deal with his temper.</div> <bR> <div> The entire situation is not pretty. NASCAR must act in a more consistent manner when dishing out penalties or more scuffles or on-track retaliations will be taking place. Some guys will not take being pushed around by the bullish style of Tony Stewart.</div> <bR> <div> Personally, I like the rivalry. I like Stewart's aggressive style and I hope to see more. However, I also would like to see other drivers be aggressive and when they are penalized with more zip than Stewart, one tends to believe NASCAR is protecting an asset called Home Depot.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - Tony Stewart Favoritism & NASCAR Greed!</div> <bR> <div> We wish great success to Lance Armstrong!</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 7/17/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="July"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="mid_season_ncs_driver_performances_get"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Mid-Season NCS Driver Performances Get Bumped </U></B></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOutZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 7/8/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> As the TV torch gets passed over to NBC and TNT from FOX on broadcasting NASCAR, it's a good time for columnists like myself to identify the drivers who are performing well and those who should be worried about loosing their ride.</div> <div> With the implementation of the new point system in 2004, NEXTEL Cup Series racing is more competitive today than at any time in the history of NASCAR. In the past, if a team or driver was not meeting their expectations at this point of the season, owners could make slight changes to get the team up to the next level for a successful run in second half of the season.</div> <bR> <div> In today's NASCAR, we are well into the second half of the season and a driver must be in the top 10 in championship points at race #26 to ensure their chance at running for a championship. It's a great system for the fans and for those drivers and teams inside the top 10. However, if you are outside the top 10 with no chance of entering the championship chase, an owner could make major changes to the team very early in the overall season.</div> <bR> <div> My point, instead of an owner waiting until October to make changes, we could see it happen much sooner this year. By replacing a driver or crew chief just after race 26, a race team will have 10 races before the next season begins to prepare for their run at the championship with their new driver or crew chief. That's a 10 race "testing" advantage over those teams running in this year's chase for the championship.</div> <bR> <div> That my friends, is huge advantage!</div> <bR> <div> With that said, who is at risk? In my opinion, I would say just about anyone sitting outside the top 20 in championship points. These include with my thoughts:</div> <bR> <div> 20. STERLING MARLIN:</div> <div> Wasn't he the championship leader just a few short years ago? I understand Sterling and his sponsor Coors is signed through the 2005 season, however Coors is very interested in placing a "young" gun in the seat. They would like to find someone to market that could compete with Budweiser's Dale Earnhardt Jr.</div> <div> Look for a major change to this team before the end of the 2004 season.</div> <bR> <div> 21. TERRY LABONTE:</div> <div> As I wrote in a February 2004 spin out, look for Terry to retire or begin a "Bill Elliott" type of retirement racing plan. Kyle Busch, one of the Busch Series young stars will take over Terry's ride in 2005. Kelloggs, the current sponsor of the #5 Chevrolet is going to love a baby face young gun that can sell cereal and win races. The contract with Kelloggs is reported to be good through the 2005 season, but this development will secure a long healthy contract for Hendrick Motorsports. Thanks for the memories Terry!</div> <bR> <div> 22. JEFF BURTON:</div> <div> What do I say about Jeff? He has no major sponsor except for one-race deals here and there. NASCAR declined their hard liquor sponsorship opportunity, so I am sure if Roush Racing cannot secure a sponsor for the 2005 season, Jeff will be gone. However, if the Greg Biffle rumor holds true and Greg leaves Roush, Jeff could inherit the National Guard/Subway sponsorship that currently is on Greg's #16. In addition to all of this, Jack Roush and Jeff really like each other, but if an owner with great equipment is looking for a driver, Jeff could be convinced to leave the Roush stable. But, there is more - keep reading, you'll find more Jeff Burton news below!</div> <bR> <div> 23. ROBBY GORDON:</div> <div> His ride is safe! Richard Childress and Cingular seem to be happy with Robby even though he is not running very well. At most, look for changes with the team and not the driver.</div> <bR> <div> 24. GREG BIFFLE:</div> <div> Did anyone catch my email to Greg when he was a guest on Speed TV's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain? Funny, Greg didn't answer my question.</div> <div> Rumors have Greg leaving the Roush stable. I've said he'll drive for Richard Childress and others have said Joe Gibbs. There is more here than Greg is admitting too and I am sure we will hear more about this situation sometime in late August or early September. His situation determines Jeff Burton's situation at Roush Racing.</div> <bR> <div> 25. WARD BURTON:</div> <div> I think Ward's ride is safe unless their sponsor Net Zero decides not to resign for the 2005 season. If they leave, Ward will be one of the top "free market" guys in the garage. Ward would fit in real well at Richard Childress Racing if Ward decides to leave for Richard's reported new fourth team.</div> <bR> <div> 26. JOE NEMECHEK:</div> <div> As long as MB2 Motorsports has a relationship with Hendrick Motorsports, Joe will be safe. Let's keep in mind that Joe is in the #01 US Army Chevrolet until Jerry Nadeau returns from a head injury. However, with no news on Jerry's return, Joe may stay in the ride until either Jerry returns, MB2 makes management changes or MB2 terminates their relationship with Hendrick Motorsports' engines.</div> <bR> <div> 27. SCOTT WIMMER:</div> <div> Scott is most likely safe at Bill Davis Racing, for now! I think the loss of Bill Davis' other driver Dave Blaney to Richard Childress really woke Bill up. He lost a great talent! Scott has not done much this year, except get arrested for DUI. If things look dire towards the end of the season, Bill Davis may pull an old "switch a driver" and bring Kenny Wallace his current Busch Series driver to the Nextel Cup Series and drop Scott to the Busch Series in Kenny's #23. It could happen if Kenny's current sponsor, Stacker 2 agrees. Caterpillar the #22 sponsor will jump at it because if you follow Kenny Wallace, you know he is a marketing machine! With that said, Scott could use the time in the Busch Series to grow and enhance his skills.</div> <bR> <div> 28. RICKY RUDD</div> <div> With the Motorcraft sponsorship reportedly good through 2005, Ricky may think about staying. However, both the Wood Brothers who own the #21 Motorcraft Ford and Ricky must think about their future. Ricky has not been competitive and I do not think Ricky is having fun. Just look at where he is in points. A few years back he was in the top 10 in points.</div> <bR> <div> My sources are telling me that if Jack Roush cannot secure a sponsor for his #99 team with current driver Jeff Burton, look for Ricky to retire and Jeff to take over the #21 ride. Roush and the Wood Brothers do have a partnership with each other. Recently both organizations traded crew chiefs involving Jack Roush's #6 Ford driven by Mark Martin and the Wood Brothers #21 Ford. In addition, by moving over to the Wood Brothers, Jeff would enjoy basically the same Roush/Ford knowledge, equipment and engines as he did at Roush in his #99 ride. As for Ricky, he would retire and/or drive part-time for the Wood Brothers or Roush Racing.</div> <bR> <div> 29. BRENDAN GAUGHAN</div> <div> His seat is very safe! Because his team was a new start-up in 2004, he gets immunity. However, word is they are short of their mid-season goals and the situation is being evaluated.</div> <bR> <div> 30. SCOTT RIGGS</div> <div> The driver is safe. But, look for major changes to the MBV Motorsports management structure before the end of the year.</div> <bR> <div> 31. RICKY CRAVEN</div> <div> This one is a hard one. We have not seen Ricky perform to his best ability and it's not all his fault. However, something is going to have to be done to keep their sponsor happy and to get this team to the next level. The #32 Tide Chevrolet is a single car operation and I think adding a second car to the stable would help Ricky and the entire team. The ownership wants a second team, but finding a sponsor has been challenging. I think Ricky is safe for the rest of year, however look for either the addition of a second car with Johnny Benson behind the wheel or they will need to hire someone to fill in the missing "behind the scenes" piece of the puzzle. Alert - we could see a shocker here and owner Cal Wells could very well move Ricky out of the seat and try Johnny Benson later in the year.</div> <bR> <div> 32. KEN SCHRADER</div> <div> Having Swan's (Home Food Delivery Service) sign a multi-year deal saved this team and Kenny. I know Kenny can compete at the NEXTEL Cup Series level, however this team needs some type of a spark. Kenny should be safe in the #49 ride, however only if the sponsor doesn't bail out on the team. If they leave, it could be hard to find another sponsor with a team that can't break into the top 30 in points. A little birdie told me that Swan's might want to step down to the Busch Series and give that series a try.</div> <bR> <div> 33. & 34. PETTY ENTERPRISES</div> <div> With both Petty cars running currently 33rd and 34th in championship points, I decided to lump them together. We know Kyle is going to stay in the #45 ride and that is peachy king. However, Jeff Green driver of the famous #43 has competed in all the races and sits in last place in points. You've got to wonder what example is being set with this organization when both cars are last in points. Richard Petty was the man, however his entire organization is suffering and someone must be accountable. Sadly, nothing has changed and they still struggle. I doubt you could find another driver in the garage willing to take this ride if Jeff Green was canned. This is why I believe Jeff is safe unless Kyle moves forward with Shane Hmiel, current Busch Series substitute and Craftsman Truck Series driver. Richard, Kyle or Pattie need to make something happen. Change engines or partner with another Dodge team to make something click. It may take loosing a sponsor before they wake up and realize it's too late to compete.</div> <bR> <div> OTHERS</div> <div> Other drivers who are currently being used as part-timers or mid-season replacements hold in their hands their own destiny. Dave Blaney, who is piloting the #30 AOL Chevrolet has a great opportunity and so far he is getting the job done. Jimmy Spencer has found a breath of life in the #4 Chevrolet and John Andretti lives in the #1 DEI Chevrolet, but only part time because of the lack of sponsorship money. Time will only tell if they will continue to have jobs in the NEXTEL Cup Series.</div> <bR> <div> Looking in my crystal ball this "Silly Season" should be one of the most active ones seen in a long time. With Busch Series drivers like Kyle Busch, Martin Truex Jr., David Stremme and Shane Hmiel waiting in the wings, these NEXTEL Cup Series drivers are surely keeping one eye on the road and the other in the rear view mirror.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - Noncompetitive NEXTEL Cup Series Drivers!</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 7/8/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="July"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="nascar_parenting_skills_and_fox_network"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <B><U>NASCAR Parenting Skills and Fox Network Get Bumped </U></B></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>Spin Out Zone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 7/2/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Note to self, the harder the hit the heavier the fine.</div> <bR> <div> So, Jimmy Spencer can get physical with Kurt Busch and get suspended, but Tony Stewart doesn't get suspended for getting physical with Brian Vickers? Okay.</div> <bR> <div> Kevin Harvick can get suspended for being "all that" and showing up NASCAR, but Tony Stewart doesn't get suspended for getting physical with Brian Vickers? Again, okay.</div> <bR> <div> Shane Wilson, crew chief for the #77 Dodge driven by Brendan Gaughan, has been placed on probation until December 31st for having an unapproved fuel cell container modification, but Tony Stewart was placed on probation until August 18th for getting physical with Brian Vickers. Okay, interesting.</div> <bR> <div> Get my point? NASCAR's parenting skills are horrible. NASCAR said that Tony's altercation with Brian Vickers was a "big deal," but it must not have been that big. When Kevin Harvick was parked, they said that Kevin had a history. I guess Tony doesn't? What in the heck am I missing?</div> <bR> <div> To be honest I am not blaming Tony. I'd be pretty upset too if I were a past champion and I went down to speak with some young rookie about an on track incident that happened and the young rookie laughed at me. Yeah, I'd be a bit mad too.</div> <bR> <div> I like the spark and the entertainment value of driver altercations. Nothing is wrong with it with the exception of inconsistent penalties from NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> Should have Jimmy Spencer been suspended for smacking Kurt Busch? Sure he should have and he was, but where is the example?</div> <bR> <div> The example now to those drivers with no shot at getting into the top 10 in driver's points is that you can get kind of physical without getting suspended. If another driver makes you mad and it's worth paying a $50,000 fine, loosing 25 points (wouldn't matter if your #27 in drivers points anyway) and being put on probation for seven races - hit their chest, grab their drivers suit and try to pull them out of their car. Go for it!</div> <bR> <div> But then again, NASCAR may be playing favorites and your crime could earn you a suspension! If you are on the same level as Jimmy Spencer, you know - you've got no championships under your belt, then watch out the penalty could be hefty! But, if you are a past champion or Dale Jr., hey you may have "special" penalties applied to your crime. Just a slap on the wrist and let's keep on racing - "star."</div> <bR> <div> Ridiculous. NASCAR you're just a bad parent!</div> <bR> <div> <B>FOX NETWORKS</B></div> <bR> <div> NBC and TNT are on deck waiting for their turn to broadcast NASCAR. The second half of the NASCAR season is here and NBC will take over the broadcasting responsibilities from Fox Sports. I often wonder if during the first half of the season the NASCAR on NBC producers and on-air talent kick back together on race day to throw back some brews and critique the NASCAR on FOX team. Wouldn't you like to be a fly on that wall?</div> <bR> <div> From my perspective, the NASCAR on FOX on-air talent does a very good job when it comes to doing the actual race, however I sure hope NBC and TNT doesn't make the same mistakes that the FOX Networks seems to make every week.</div> <bR> <div> I consider myself a FOX guy. I spend the majority of my television time watching FOX broadcasts including FOX News Channel and Speed TV. COPS and America's Most Wanted are among my interests and when I watch our local professional "stick & ball" sports (Red Wings, Pistons and Tigers), its usually on FOX Sports Net. It would be very fair to say if anyone had the right to throw out an opinion about FOX, I consider myself qualified to do so.</div> <bR> <div> As the times change, I feel as a father that I need to be more open minded to what is happening around me. I consider myself a "happen dude" with a touch of humor and a ton of common sense. I know what television shows to watch and what radio programs to listen to around my son. I believe in free speech and just because I do not agree with Howard Stern doesn't mean he should be taken off the air. I have a finger and the radio has a search button, so if you don't agree with what you are listening to - turn it!</div> <bR> <div> Unfortunately, FOX has made that type of philosophy very difficult to live by.</div> <div> I have chosen to watch NASCAR because it is great entertainment. I love the sport, most of the drivers are good role models and its something positive that I can watch with my family. The sport promotes patriotism, teamwork, hard work and its nice to see a sport that prays before each race.</div> <bR> <div> As a family we can sit down and watch a race without worries of seeing things that would frighten or corrupt the mind of children. Well, that was what I thought.</div> <bR> <div> The Busch Series race in Milwaukee was televised on FX. FX is just one of the many stations apart of the FOX Networks. Instead of enjoying a night of great racing, I was left to explain what in the world a show called Nip Tuck was all about to my son. I was outraged when FX decided to preview this show during one of the race's commercial breaks.</div> <bR> <div> This isn't one of your male enhancement product commercials, this was a bloody, disgusting preview that should have been saved for a different time.</div> <div> With the fad of reality shows highlighting plastic surgery, I am sure this drama about plastic surgery and sex would be very interesting to watch. But, during a sporting event when children are watching, the network has a moral responsibility not to show a preview that contains doctors operating on someone that's squirting blood all over the place. Or some guy preparing to break his own nose by shoving a tool up his snout and getting ready to slam it with a hammer. Makes race night fun, uh?</div> <bR> <div> With all the cute commercials that could be used during the break, why pick that? I understand that you want to preview the show when the ratings are high, but it can be done correctly without the gore. Children are watching!</div> <div> Nip Tuck was also previewed on FOX during the Dodge/Save Mart 350. I guess this network will go to all kinds of lengths to drive up ratings for a show that should only be seen by adults.</div> <bR> <div> My advise to NBC and TNT is don't go down this road. Maybe this is why the ratings are going down. I would like to see if rating for the radio partners are up compared to last year. That would be some interesting research.</div> <div> I'm not saying to take these types of shows off the air, because I can turn the channel if they are on and I don't want to watch. I am sure someone else can enjoy them. However, don't throw it into the middle of a sporting event catching my family and I off guard.</div> <bR> <div> Is there a "Janet Jackson School of Network Surprise" teaching this somewhere? Makes you wonder.</div> <bR> <div> I call on NASCAR to do something about it. During the network bid process, NASCAR can easily require broadcast partners not to use this material during commercial breaks. Seems pretty simple to me folks.</div> <bR> <div> It boils down to respecting the viewer and during the commercial breaks, FOX is having a problem doing that.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - FOX NETWORKS!</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <div> Copyright 7/2/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="July"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>