Title 40

<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>  <A NAME="the_spin_out_zone"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>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>June & July 2003</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#jimmy_spencer_and_florida_today" TITLE="Title 40"><U>Jimmy Spencer and Florida Today Columnist Get Bumped</U></A> </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#petty_enterprises_gets_bumped_" TITLE="Title 40"><U>Petty Enterprises Gets Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#petty_and_nascarnextel_get_bumped_" TITLE="Title 40"><U>Petty and NASCAR/Nextel Get Bumped</U></A> </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#bill_davis_racing_and_tony_stewart_get" TITLE="Title 40"><U>Bill Davis Racing and Tony Stewart Get Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="jimmy_spencer_and_florida_today"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Jimmy Spencer and Florida Today Columnist Gets Bumped</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOUtZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 7/24/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here are the bump and the SPIN OUT! </div> <bR> <div> Last weekend was my kind of weekend. Flat somewhat short track that brings out spins and tempers. What could be better than seeing side by side racing, bumping and scraping for real estate? Uh, Bristol weekend!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>JIMMY SPENCER</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Mr. Excitement is his name and giving excuse after excuse is his game!<[p> </div> <div> Jimmy Spencer driver of the #7 Sirius Satellite Radio Dodge found himself added to another driver's little black book last weekend after he had a run in with John Andretti. John, who was driving the #0 NetZero Pontiac for the first time this season was racing Jimmy on the outside, when Mr. Excitement punted John into the wall. Yes, both drivers were bumping for a few laps, but when push came to shove the guy on the outside bit the bullet.</div> <bR> <div> Once out of the car John who is normally reserved held nothing back. "I'm furious," said John. "Jimmy Spencer flat just took me out. That's disappointing. It drives me nuts to think that another guy would do that. "</div> <bR> <div> Then once Jimmy was able to get his side of the story out, it became apparent that the SPIN began. The "old switcheroo I'll blame it on you" game was played by Jimmy. Instead of coming out and saying some thing along the lines of my car was loose and I got up into John and I apologize for it, NO Jimmy claimed, "We went down the back straightaway, and I passed him. We went into 1 and 2, and my car freed up a little bit, He kept pinching me down, pinching me down. My feeling was it was a racing thing. But on the other side of it, I feel like John probably could've used more common sense."</div> <bR> <div> We saw great side by side racing throughout the race. Kevin Harvick was one driver who lived on the outside groove. He and Jimmie Johnson raced each other hard, side by side and had no issues, however seeing how clean Kevin and Jimmie ran make's you wonder why some drivers like Jimmy Spencer can't handle the pressure of side by side racing.</div> <bR> <div> In an effort to show Jimmy Spencer how upset the #0 team was, the #0 team left damaged parts from their wrecked racecar on Jimmy's car hauler for him to find after the race. Jimmy didn't find it amusing and his response to it was "That's very unprofessional."</div> <bR> <div> Speaking of unprofessional, Jimmy had these comments to say about John; "desperate people do desperate things, I guess, " "John's reaching for straws," and "He went to being aggressive and pinching me down to the point where I had no alternative left."</div> <bR> <div> REALLY, you had no alternative left? Didn't you just admit to punting John? So how is it John's fault again if you just admitted to having no alternative left? </div> <bR> <div> Sounds like a confession to me!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>FLORIDA TODAY COLUMNIST</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Mark DeCotis covers auto racing for Florida Today and his column "Nothing wrong with racing to the flag" grabbed my attention this week since racing back to the flag has become a major issue.</div> <bR> <div> Thinking I would find good solid information about the topic, I found myself amazed on how this highly respected columnist painted an unfair picture of the Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon situation from last weekend.</div> <bR> <div> Those who read my columns know for a fact that I am not the biggest Greg Biffle fan in the barn and after reading Mark's column, I am guessing he isn't either. So, you would think I would be jumping up and down about what he wrote, however in an effort to bring forth my opinion, I must highlight the fact that Mark did not tell the entire story.</div> <bR> <div> I am sure Florida Today and Mark DeCotis has a huge number of readers. In many cases, a well-respected columnist can change a person's decision process on which side to choose in a given situation. Mark's column this week is a great example of what I am saying.</div> <bR> <div> For someone who does not follow NASCAR like most of us do, after reading Mark's column they would walk away believing that Greg Biffle did a horrible thing last weekend and he was hauled into the NASCAR trailer and scolded. The perception after reading Mark's column is that Greg pushed, bumped and almost took Jeff Gordon out of the race, who at the time was the leader and who happens to be running for the championship.</div> <bR> <div> To assist in picture painting, here is what Mark didn't tell you according to Greg Biffle and his team. A note for everyone, Jeff has not made a statement about this issue so believe who you want, but at least you'll have the information. </div> <div> According to Mark, Biffle got ticked off when Gordon wouldn't give him a lap back. In Mark's words, "In retribution, Biffle put his fender into Gordon's rear bumper." This is true. Mark continued, "Gordon was leading the race and at the time was in the thick of the championship chase. And these guys, sitting 20th and 32nd in the points standings, were hassling him over getting a lap back. unbelievable."</div> <bR> <div> Another true statement. Biffle and Jeff Green did give Jeff Gordon a hard time.</div> <bR> <div> However, the "unbelievable" comment I found to be funny because this is RACING and just because they are sitting 20th and 32nd in the points standing doesn't mean they should roll over and call it quits. What's wrong with fighting to get a lap back? NOTHING! I can tell you if some of us opinion guys and gals saw any driver holding back, we would call them on the carpet, lap down or not!</div> <bR> <div> Continuing Mark said, "But Biffle wasn't finished. On the restart -- the most volatile part of any race -- he bumped into Gordon again, briefly regaining his lost lap before an angry Gordon drove past him two laps later. Biffle's poor judgment was duly noted by NASCAR and earned him a trip to the big red trailer for a little re-education at race's end."</div> <bR> <div> True and not true. First, I would like to add for those who want to freeze the field when a caution flies, holding back the leader at the restart of the race will become common. How else are they going to get back on the lead lap?</div> <div> Back to the point, yes, Biffle bumped into Gordon on the restart and yes, Gordon did pass Biffle two laps later. However, Biffle's judgment was not poor and he did not get re-educated at the end of the race. </div> <bR> <div> See, what Mark left out was that Greg Biffle and Jeff Gordon had a DEAL. At an earlier caution, Gordon told Biffle via team members that he would give Biffle his lap back IF he (Biffle) didn't hold him (Gordon) up at the earlier restart. Gordon said if a caution came out quickly, he would slow up and give Biffle a lap back. Well, Biffle held up to his end of the bargain and didn't hold Gordon up, but when a caution flew a few laps later, Gordon didn't slow to allow Biffle his lap back thus going back on his word. This folks is why Biffle was mad and did what he did. NASCAR agreed with Biffle and dropped the issue, never re-educating Biffle on the topic.</div> <bR> <div> Mark kept it up by writing, "But Biffle still wasn't finished, laying the lumber to Gordon in a post-race interview with reporters." Mark quoted Greg Biffle's comments about Jeff Gordon, "I understand if he's way out there, he can't slow down and let me come back," Biffle said. "But the caution comes out right away, and I'm not even five car-lengths off of him, and he runs me back to the caution and won't let me have my lap back. "That's bull . . . I don't do him like that. I let him go, like I said I would, and then he doesn't give me my lap back. We get along good. I respect the guy and the team. They're just two-faced." </div> <bR> <div> Greg Biffle did make the above statements, however Mark never mentioned in his column that the statements made by Greg was because Jeff Gordon broke an agreement with him. I am sure if it was the same situation, but the names of the drivers were reversed, Jeff Gordon would have been just as peeved and could have acted in the same fashion.</div> <bR> <div> Continuing from Mark's column, "Biffle got off easy -- he should have been black flagged and sent to the pits -- and NASCAR, which refuses to get involved in the controversy over racing back to the yellow and giving laps back, dodged another bullet." </div> <bR> <div> As we found out this past weekend with the Michael Waltrip STRAP GATE situation, just throwing the black flag isn't the best way to handle a situation. NASCAR absolutely made the correct call regarding Greg Biffle. They had no clue what happened between them until they could speak with the parties involved. After meeting with Greg and finding out what truly happened, NASCAR dropped it and left it alone. HALLELUJAH they made the correct call.</div> <bR> <div> To add my two cents about the racing back to the yellow so called controversy comment that Mark brings up, the MEDIA has made this a bigger issue than NASCAR or any driver. The media keeps asking the questions and NASCAR refuses to be driven by the media, for that I respect them. </div> <bR> <div> As for Mark, he needs to apologize to his readers, Greg Biffle and the entire #16 team. Mark did not tell the entire story and for that he should step up.</div> <bR> <div> I agree with some of Mark's comments in his column and I do admire someone who stands up and speaks his/her mind. Again, my gripe with Mark's column was that he didn't tell the entire story behind the story. For that, I felt he COULD mislead people to follow a given agenda.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - MARK DECOTIS from the FLORIDA TODAY! Given agenda? I am guessing that Mark is not voting for Greg Biffle to win the "Grands! Biscuits Most Popular Driver Award" and you know, on this, I agree with him.</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 7/24/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 40"><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> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="petty_enterprises_gets_bumped_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Petty Enterprises 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> 7/12/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> I am actually surprised that the Petty Enterprises story from last week's Daytona race has not seen more press time. The Greg Biffle win or should I say the GIFT given to Rookie Greg Biffle has stolen the thunder from the Petty story. In my eyes, the racing dynasty known as Petty Enterprises has just hit ROCK BOTTOM. But, just like the new attitude at NASCAR, the elite media has jumped on the "out with the old and in with the new" bandwagon. Maybe this elite media's view is - Petty is OLD NASCAR so all good things must come to an end!</div> <bR> <div> For some of us NASCAR FANS, Petty Enterprises is an important part of NASCAR's history and future. However, some need to pull their heads out of the sand and realize Petty Enterprises is much bigger than Richard or Kyle Petty. Yes, the success of Richard has put this organization on the MAP, however Petty would not be successful without the support of their sponsors, FANS and staff.</div> <bR> <div> As I wrote a few weeks ago, I felt Kyle was wearing too many hats to make this organization a future success. Last week proved that something needs to change at Petty Enterprises and it's just not with the engine program.</div> <bR> <div> Over the last year, many "outsiders" have witnessed the slow downfall of Petty Enterprises. At one point last year, many believed things would turn around, however it never really happened. I knew something was really wrong when Robin Pemberton, Petty Enterprises Team Manager did not return for the 2003 season. It was a short marriage between Petty and Robin, but I think Robin knew that things at Petty were going to get worst before they got better.</div> <bR> <div> Now we find ourselves half way through the 2003 season and a few weeks after Petty Enterprises fired John Andretti due to performance issues. As the brain trust of Petty Enterprises, Kyle has found himself needing to make some serious decisions about the future of the #43 and #44 teams. Last week in Daytona proved that Kyle's short-term decisions were wrong. In my eyes, his attempt to shift blame on why the organization has fallen on hard times came to a head when Kyle blamed and physically confronted the engine builder.</div> <bR> <div> First, before I get hate mail from the Petty FANS please understand that I am a FAN of Petty Enterprises, Dodge and General Mills. Richard and Kyle Petty are important to the sport, but I would hope that they would look in the mirror and see what FANS see when they look at Petty Enterprises of today, July of 2003. Many of you have written me about this subject and in a nutshell the common thoughts are - Petty Enterprises find themselves with too many priorities like Victory Junction, Petty Museum, Richard Petty Driving Experience and running three Winston Cup cars. Something will suffer and their Winston Cup program is feeling the pain.</div> <bR> <div> In most part, I agree with the above observation. However, my view takes it a step further and when an organization is loosing profits or falling behind the competition, you go to the top and Kyle Petty in this case is to blame. His performance in the #45 is worst than it was when John Andretti was driving the #43, but John was the one to receive the walking papers. Kyle blamed engine builder Mike Ege for poor engine performance for two of the three Petty cars not making last weeks Daytona race. But, when you look back at other Daytona races, Kyle's best starting position was 22nd in the 2002 Pepsi 400.</div> <div> In previous qualifying attempts, in 2003's Daytona 500 Kyle started 30th and 34th in 2002. In 2001 both Kyle and John Andretti started 28th and 36th. So when looking back, Petty Enterprises' cars have not started in great positions anyway. </div> <bR> <div> The big question is what happened last weekend?</div> <bR> <div> Kyle replaced John Andretti with Christian Fittipaldi. Christian who is well-known in open wheel racing has no major experience in Winston Cup racing. He did run in the 2003 Daytona 500 in the #33 Chevy for Andy Petree and barely made the race qualifying 35th. Prior to John's firing, Christian was designated to drive Petty's #44 car for a few selected races in 2003. However, now that John is gone Kyle has changed his plan and Christian is now going to drive the #43 for the rest of the season.</div> <bR> <div> As with any plan there are challenges and Kyle will keep Christian in the #44 for those same pre-selected races in 2003 and he'll find someone else to drive the #43 during that time. Well, last weeks race in Daytona was one of those races when Christian was going to drive the #44. For the #43, Kyle hired Busch series regular Shane Hmiel who has NEVER run a Winston Cup race.</div> <bR> <div> Picture this, two of the three Petty drivers have limited to no Winston Cup experience, driving in a restrictor plate race at Daytona - a place where past Petty drivers have struggled to even make the race. Every Winston Cup owner's nightmare came true for Richard and Kyle Petty, two of the three organization's cars did not make the race.</div> <bR> <div> Did Kyle look at the big picture and ask himself what happened? I do not think so! Petty Enterprises most likely had engine power problems, but putting two very inexperienced Winston Cup racers in their cars did not help the situation either! Kyle went on national TV, in very bad taste used a few choice words and blamed the engine builder but left himself and his drivers out of the blame game. </div> <bR> <div> As reported by some newspapers, he physically held engine builder Mike Ege against a chain linked fence in the garage area and scolded him for the weekend's failure.</div> <bR> <div> Bottom line folks, the State of Petty Enterprises is weak. I really like Kyle and it was good to see some fire from him last weekend, but his organization has hit rock bottom. They have been reactive instead of proactive and they have fallen way behind their competitors. Kyle must regroup and he needs to do it before his staff and sponsors loose faith and trust in him.</div> <bR> <div> Some recommendations for Kyle would be listen to the FANS. It's time to find someone else to drive the #45. A very good solid choice would be Ken Schrader. He could give some good advice and he is currently running decent with a low funded team. In Petty's case, putting an experienced driver in their car is most important. They are too far behind to play with inexperience. Bobby Hamilton or Robert Pressley could be used or looking at pulling another driver from another team to Petty might serve in their best interest. Jeff Burton could be the future of Petty Enterprises if they can get him in the #43. If they want to develop a young driver then do it in the Busch series, but in the meantime Petty Enterprises does not have the luxury of TIME like other organizations in Winston Cup to play the young card. Sponsorships are priceless in this sport and they'll find themselves sponsor-less if they keep traveling down the current path.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - PETTY ENTERPRISES! I hear PENSKE engines work well in Dodges, just ask Ray Evernham.</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 7/12/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 40"><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> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="petty_and_nascarnextel_get_bumped_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Petty and NASCAR/Nextel 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> 6/20/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Well folks, we find ourselves in a very interesting stage of the 2003 Winston Cup season. I am not sure if we can actually call it "Silly Season", but one thing is for sure we can call it silly!</div> <bR> <div> As predicted right here in The Spin Out Zone, Mike Skinner is out of the #4 Kodak Pontiac. To be honest, I feel Mike Skinner is a pretty good racecar driver. </div> <div> My problem with him is that he has been unable to prove he belongs at the Winston Cup level. He couldn't get the job done at RCR when others have been able to find a win at RCR. However, just by what I have seen at Morgan-McClure Racing over the last several years, I am not sure if Jeff Gordon could win driving their equipment. If I were Mike Skinner, I would go to RCR, Kevin Harvick or even DEI and approach them on racing trucks. Get in one of their trucks and take home another championship. The last thing I would do is get into more bad equipment or a single car operation. It would end your career!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>PETTY ENTERPRISES</B></I></div> <bR> <div> As you all know I love giving my opinion. But, I have been somewhat quite about the challenges faced by Petty Enterprises. I guess as a writer, I didn't want to kick someone who was down, especially given the situation surrounding the #45 car.</div> <bR> <div> That time is now over and I can no longer keep my mouth shut about Petty Enterprises. I feel if a FAN spends his or her money on tickets, driver collectibles and sponsor's products, then you have the right to question how the shop is being run. I would like to first say that I respect Richard Petty. For many, he is/was the greatest driver ever. However, we have not seen great things from his or Kyle's tenure as the leaders of Petty Enterprises.</div> <bR> <div> Last week Kyle fired John Andretti. Kyle claimed John was not performing and this is a performance-based sport. I do agree with Kyle and drivers like Mike Skinner, John Andretti and Brett Bodine should loose their rides or sponsors if they are not performing. But, I would like to know what is Kyle's excuse for not firing himself? John rated just better than Kyle in Winston Cup points, but Kyle felt a change needed to be made and John was that change.</div> <bR> <div> I think Kyle has a major problem on his hands and the major problem is himself. Some times we need to stop and look in the mirror and Kyle needs to do it now before Petty Enterprises finds themselves the butt of all jokes in the garage.</div> <bR> <div> First, Kyle is wearing too many hats. Driver, owner and if that isn't enough for one person to juggle, he is working on Victory Junction Gang too. Maybe keeping busy is the best thing to do in hard times, but some day it is all going to catch up to Kyle and that time is near!</div> <bR> <div> Richard needs to take Kyle aside and give him a bit of fatherly advice - RETIRE from driving. That way when Kyle does his next STP commercial, he can truly say, "When you Dad is Richard Petty, you tend to listen."</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>NASCAR & NEXTEL News Conference</B></I></div> <bR> <div> The lights, the music and the videos were all very impressive. The atmosphere was exciting and new! The big wigs of NASCAR & NEXTEL were in the house and waiting for the moment to arrive where they introduce to the world a new marriage.</div> <bR> <div> They reviewed the old times and then executive statements were made basically letting us know that it was out with the old and in with the new. NASCAR's Chairman Bill France explained how far NASCAR has come and NEXTEL's President Tim Donahue followed with similar statements about his company. Yes, it was a kiss and tell program excluding financial details. Just for fun, they added Jeff Gordon and Dale Jr. to the mix of suits and the party was on track. Then the time came when all our questions were going to be answered. The panel was assembled for the Q & A session and the media had the floor.</div> <bR> <div> As FANS, we have no choice but to rely on the media to ask the great questions. Well, I must say as a FAN, I was greatly disappointed in this media. HOLY COW, how long did it take to come up with those SOFTBALL questions? Honestly, I heard only two questions that were worth the time of answering. COME ON PEOPLE!</div> <bR> <div> We all should be so proud because our media representatives asked questions like these of the most powerful men in stock car racing:</div> <bR> <div> "How long do you think it will take before NASCAR fans can stop calling it the Winston Cup?"</div> <bR> <div> "Who had the idea? Who went to who? How fast did it come together?"</div> <bR> <div> "Lot of fans in the south are concerned that Nextel might bring a new generation that doesn't necessarily hold on to that southern racing tradition. What are the thoughts on that? "</div> <bR> <div> "How long were negotiations start to finish? Did you deliberate for a while?"</div> <bR> <div> "Are there any specific markets that were previously not open to the NASCAR franchise that might be open now with the partnership with Nextel?"</div> <bR> <div> The TWO questions that I felt had any worth were these:</div> <bR> <div> "With Nextel's presence in the Winston Cup, how will that affect other wireless companies coming into the NASCAR scene, companies that are already there, the Texas race has Samsung?"</div> <bR> <div> "Can you talk in percentage times about how much of the money from this deal goes to the drivers, to NASCAR, to television, anybody else?"</div> <bR> <div> To me as a FAN how this relationship between NASCAR and NEXTEL is going to affect the future of owner/driver sponsorships and how owners, drivers and other vested parties will benefit is most important. In the current state of NASCAR we have several sponsors involved with owner/drivers that do compete with NEXTEL. To many in the stands and the garage this new marriage is a wonderful start to the future of NASCAR, however some feel they won't be around to enjoy the benefits if NEXTEL closes the door on sponsorship opportunities.</div> <bR> <div> If I was able to send in the questions or I was the chosen one to sit down with France and Donahue, these are the questions I would have asked:</div> <bR> <div> 1. Are sponsors who have not been a full time sponsor like AT&T Wireless but who have been involved in the sport as recent as this year, grandfathered in under the new contract? If not, if they sign an agreement with an owner prior to the 2004 season, will they be grandfathered in?</div> <bR> <div> 2. Will this contract effect any sponsor running in the Busch Series?</div> <bR> <div> 3. How will this effect the sponsorships of ALLTEL and Cingular Wireless in respect to their level of NASCAR exposure?</div> <bR> <div> 4. How does this effect possible incoming sponsorships like Radio Shack who sells wireless service from NEXTEL competitors?</div> <bR> <div> 5. With NEXTEL being a heavy business to business supplier of wireless communication, what level of business partnerships do you expect from current corporate sponsorships and/or owners?</div> <bR> <div> 6. What participation or association if any did Jesse Jackson or Rainbow/PUSH play in this partnership?</div> <bR> <div> 7. How many agreements will NASCAR need to terminate to facilitate the request of NEXTEL in relation to current communication partners?</div> <div> And just for fun, I would ask NASCAR:</div> <bR> <div> 8. Did CITGO leave Jeff Burton, Jack Roush and the #99 Ford team because they are preparing to become the next NASCAR FUEL PARTNER?</div> <bR> <div> The elite NASCAR media tend to toss up soft ball questions, especially in the case of NASCAR.com writers, who mostly kiss major rear-end when face to face with anyone important. For their lack of creative questions, we the FANS may not find out these answers or many more answers to your questions until someone with enough GUTS steps up to the plate and ask them. Maybe when sponsors are forced out some TEED OFF owner who just lost their meal ticket will demand answers. Until then, we'll just need to sit back and watch Ryan Newman the driver of the #12 ALLTEL Dodge become the 2004 NEXTEL Cup Champion. How funny would that be?</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - SOFTBALL QUESTIONS! I am surprised Marty Smith didn't ask - So when Jeff Gordon wins his next championship, do we say he has won 4 Winston Cup Championships and One NEXTEL Cup </div> <div> Championship or do we erase all the other championships or are they grandfathered in championships?</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 6/20/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 40"><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> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="bill_davis_racing_and_tony_stewart_get"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Bill Davis Racing and Tony Stewart Get Bumped</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The Spin Out Zone</div> <bR> <div> By Mike Harper </div> <div> <U>SpinOutZone@aol.com </U></div> <div> 6/4/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Many of us have been YELLING for some type of driver rivalry since the beginning of the 2003 season. We obviously have a horrible rookie race compared to last year and we have seen driver tempers flare up at times, however on track friendship seems to be the menu choice of many. Maybe until now!</div> <bR> <div> I think some drivers are beginning to pull out the little black "PAY BACK" books and checking some names off the list. For example, Jeff Gordon and Sterling Marlin have become an item. Their names are being tossed around more than the Jeff and Brooke show!</div> <bR> <div> For two of the last three weeks, Jeff has had on track issues with Sterling and last Sunday, Sterling finally took issue. Now he is mad! But, Jeff said he was sorry and admitted that Sterling had every right to be mad just like he (Jeff) was mad last year when Sterling punted him at Richmond. Jeff can now check Sterling off the "PAY BACK" list!</div> <bR> <div> Who is next? If we look in the PAY BACK book from last year and this year, we could see - HARVICK and BIFFLE, HARVICK and JEFF GORDON, WARD BURTON and DALE JR., WARD BURTON and JEFF GORDON, NEWMAN and STEWART, SPENCER and BUSCH, JARRETT and PARK, PETTY and BODINE. Guess we'll need wait for the drama! When is Bristol again?</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>TONY STEWART</B></I></div> <bR> <div> What in the world is up with Tony? I will admit, I am a big Tony FAN. I enjoy his passion and his on track temper adds to the sport. But for goodness sake, this year he has really disappointed me.</div> <bR> <div> It seems like whenever there is an on track issue, we are hearing the #20 side of things from ZIPPY, Tony's crew chief and public relations guru! Constantly, we hear of Tony storming back to his trailer and slamming the door only to elude the FOX/NBC reporters.</div> <bR> <div> Sure we saw him admit some fault at The Winston when him and Terry Labonte crashed each other. But, time after time he is mad at something.</div> <bR> <div> I understand when life is not going well. HECK, we all experience on the job frustrations. But, unlike other drivers who found no luck or have been taken out by another driver in a race, they will make a comment in front of the cameras. Even though it may be their temper talking, they take time to vent their frustrations. NOT Tony! His fans are left to wonder his thoughts and honestly people look at him as a big "didn't get my way" whiner! Remember that kid growing up? You know the one who got mad or because they didn't get their way, they ran home to Mommy? </div> <bR> <div> Well, need I say more?</div> <bR> <div> Last Sunday, Ryan Newman refused to give Tony back his lap and Tony became outraged. Sure Tony was mad about the penalty he was given on PIT road, but when Ryan raced him back to the line not allowing Tony on the lead lap, Tony obviously upset just about put Ryan into la-la land!</div> <bR> <div> After pulling off an incredible comeback from a lap down to finish in the top 5, Tony showed his temper to Ryan and Ryan's team and then stormed back to his trailer. A great day turned sour because YES, Tony is mad. No interview, no comments on how hard it was to come back, just a memory of Tony getting mad!</div> <bR> <div> Wasn't it Tony telling his teammate Bobby Labonte back at Texas not to give people their lap back? So why didn't he understand when Ryan wouldn't let him back on the lead lap?</div> <bR> <div> Could there be more to it? Was a deal made and Ryan didn't keep his end of the bargain?</div> <bR> <div> Guess we will not know because Tony didn't communicate with his fans via the qualified pit reporters. Tony, it's getting real old!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>BILL DAVIS RACING</B></I></div> <bR> <div> As reported last week, Dodge has ended their relationship with Bill Davis Racing. Dodge is claiming a breach of contract on behalf of BDR and because they feel BDR did not act in the best interest of Dodge, they are pulling funds and knowledge from team.</div> <bR> <div> I must side with Dodge on this issue. In all corporate contracts, it is made perfectly clear what you can do and what you can't do when you represent your client. Dodge is not going to pull an agreement for something small. If BDR was working with Toyota as accused, when it specifically states in a contract that Dodge will provide dollars and R&D for those who promote and act in the best interest of Dodge, should find themselves axed!</div> <bR> <div> My first question is who in the HECK is advising Bill Davis. His lawyer must have taken the season off or something! This sport survives on MONEY! Dodge was forking out the bucks and instead of being happy with what they had, BDR USED Dodge like a second girlfriend.</div> <bR> <div> I am one who supports those who want to strive for success and if Bill Davis felt he was not meeting their goals with Dodge, then he should have used his out clause on the contract and walked. He would have retained his credibility and all the publicity would have been somewhat positive. Instead, if all is true, he chose to cheat the system and he got caught.</div> <bR> <div> Competition off the track is just as fierce as it is on the track. Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet and Pontiac have invested a ton of money in NASCAR and others like Toyota are looking in. In this dog eat dog world of racing, you must protect company secrets and your investment. Dodge invested in BDR. If BDR didn't play under the rules given to them in a contract, then they should pay.</div> <bR> <div> I feel bad for Ward Burton and Kenny Wallace. Both BDR drivers are having a bad year. Engine problems and back luck have given these guys little to celebrate about this year and now Dodge pulls out and Kenny's sponsor has lost their VP of Marketing. Many know how involved Kenny's sponsor is in NASCAR, but could this bring a change in direction from his sponsor? If so, BDR and Kenny better hope Toyota forks out some more cash or both be left without a manufacturer, sponsor and penny less! You've got to wonder how happy the sponsors are with this brain freeze if it's true? We may be seeing some big changes at BDR and it may not be good!</div> <bR> <div> I am sure BDR is praying nice and hard that Toyota does dive into Winston Cup because if they don't, BDR has burned a bridge that others may not want to rebuild!</div> <bR> <div> This weeks SPIN OUT goes to - Bill Davis Racing! If it's true about leaking confidential information to Toyota and testing Toyota's while under contract with Dodge, I am sure the brown looking stuff coming out of BDR engines of late isn't the only thing coming out over at BDR & Dodge!</div> <bR> <div> Keep it up Jerry! Get well and we are thinking about you!</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 6/4/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 40"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>