Title 43

<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>March 2003</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#dodge_teams___i_t_t_m_o__drivers_get" TITLE="Title 43"><U>Dodge Teams & "I.T.T.M.O. Drivers Get Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#sports_writers___being_detrimental_to" TITLE="Title 43"><U>Sports Writers & Being Detrimental to Stock Car Racing Get Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#biffle_gordon_and_fukuyama_get_bumped_" TITLE="Title 43"><U>Biffle, Gordon and Fukuyama Get Bumped</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="dodge_teams___i_t_t_m_o__drivers_get"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Dodge Teams & "I.T.T.M.O. Drivers 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> 3/27/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> First I must tell you, Bristol is my favorite race. However, with our troops in Iraq willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to free people, rid our world from weapons of mass destruction and protect freedom-loving people from terrorist, my heart really wasn't in a racing mood. Then the race started and I found it to be a nice relief from watching the news.</div> <bR> <div> I am glad they raced! I back our troops and thanks to those who have died for our freedom, we can race.</div> <bR> <div> One last political statement and I'll move on.</div> <bR> <div> The world we live in today is different from yesterday. There are people all over the world that have always hated us (Americans) for who we are and the freedom we share. The difference today, is they now have the means to act on their hatred. The terrorists no longer hold our government accountable for actions taken on behalf of America. The terrorists hold all Americans accountable. They are willing to kill and/or be killed to follow the ideas of a few, who had the means to create networks of hatred. September 11, 2001 proved that terrorist could care less about life, even those from their own belief. It proved that terrorist will rip children from their parents, take sisters from brothers and break the hearts of husbands and wives because they disagree with a policy. A policy of freedom, a policy giving citizens free speech and a policy that assists countries who need a hand. A hand that America is willing to lend.</div> <bR> <div> America can not longer sit back and wait for the next act of terror to happen. We've been perceived as the "world's police" for many years, however that world given title must change. In general police react to people. When called, they assist. America can no longer be reactive. In this changed world, America must be proactive. Just as a social worker would remove a child from an environment of harm, giving that child the opportunity to grow in a positive way, America must do what we are doing today in Iraq. Giving new life to people, providing freedom and giving children the opportunity to grow who know nothing more than harm. I love America! God Bless our Troops and our President!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>DODGE TEAMS</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Grab life by the horns? Okay and do what, run at the back of the pack?</div> <div> Something is happening in the Dodge camps. I am not sure what, but looking at race statistics I am seeing bad news. After six Winston Cup races, the top Dodge driver is Ryan Newman sitting 15th in points. Rusty Wallace, Ryan's teammate is climbing back into the points standings, however he is 17th in points. With the exception of Jimmy Spencer and Sterling Marlin, all other Dodge drivers are outside the top 25 in Winston Cup points.</div> <bR> <div> When Dodge brought back their NASCAR program, we were sold on Ray Evernham being the man behind the Dodge program. Even Petty Enterprises found praise from those in the Dodge camp. But in short time, both programs are badly in the need of a Viagra. I can't believe I said that, but it worked!</div> <div> If I were Ray Evernham, I'd be as mad HECK that Jimmy Spencer this year, is driving a car that I part owned last year and he is 72 points ahead of my top driver! What gives?</div> <bR> <div> What gives with Bill Davis Racing? His teams are 27th and 32nd in points and should be well on their way to making it in the top 15. At least Chip Ganassi has an excuse. Out of three entries, he has two rookies in his garage, but his experienced driver Sterling Marlin, can't dig himself into the top 20.</div> <div> Petty is a totally different story. I thought after last year, we would see big gains this year. WRONG! I am not going to waist my time on BAM or AJ's race teams, because I think everyone would agree, they BITE!</div> <bR> <div> Out of the 14 regular Dodge teams and drivers, I would say 50% of them will not show any improvement and will continue to drive around for a paycheck. Bottom line, they are behind. In this day of minimal profit margins, sponsors are looking and Dodge owners need to get on the horse and get this figured out! It's more than the competition is tougher, but reality may need to be introduced to some people because maybe it's age, talent or situation. Who knows, Jeremy Mayfield may not have been made to drive a Dodge, maybe he is most successful in a Ford. Owners take this soft notice from a FAN, if you want to be around tomorrow, don't just DODGE the problems of today!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>"I.T.T.M.O." DRIVERS</B></I></div> <bR> <div> I am sure you are wondering to yourself, "Self, what has the SPIN OUT GUY come up with this time?" Well, catch this and let me know if you agree.</div> <bR> <div> I.T.T.M.O. Drivers = It's Time To Move On Drivers</div> <bR> <div> Found here only at the Spin Out Zone, is the list of drivers who should MOVE ON!</div> <bR> <div> JEREMY MAYFIELD: Holy Cow! Is it going to get any better? You are proving Roger Penske right and you must be giving Ray Evernham a headache. Find a Ford and get in it because at this rate, your career will be finished in short time!</div> <bR> <div> TERRY LABONTE: Terry, Terry, Terry. I said it at the beginning of the year and I will say it again, MOVE ON! You are a two-time Winston Cup Champion and obviously this ride is no longer working for you! Call Ray Evernham and see if he can do for you what he did for Bill Elliott. HECK, I'll call Kellogg and ask them to move with you because they sure aren't getting the same resources that the #24 and #48 teams are getting!</div> <bR> <div> KYLE PETTY: I am not sure where to tell you to MOVE ON to. If I could ask you one question, it would be, do you have too much on your plate? If so, CLEAN IT and get to racing.</div> <bR> <div> MIKE SKINNER: You are one cool cat, but MOVE ON! Patience has always been a problem at Morgan-McClure and I am thinking your time is up after Lowe's. When Robby Gordon drove the #4, they said he was safe too, remember?</div> <bR> <div> KEN SCHRADER: Hey, if someone gives you a ride take it, right? Calling 1-800-CALLATT isn't going to save you here! You are one of my favorites, but I hear Bobby Hamilton needs some competition in the Truck Series. Did you know they race on Speed? Channel 37 on my cable network. Come over and we'll catch a race!</div> <bR> <div> BODINE & BODINE: Great Busch Series drivers, but Winston Cup is not for you. Just ask Terry Labonte and Richard Childress. Do they run your fan club?</div> <div> Check back in 6 and we'll see who MOVED ON or who MOVED THEM. Also, I have my eye on another set of drivers who could be added to this list, I am just giving them a bit more time. I don't want to mention them now because I would hate to put added pressure on them. Okay #43?</div> <bR> <div> This weeks SPIN OUT goes to - "I.T.T.M.O." Drivers! WIN a race and I'll truly be "Shocked & Awed!"</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 3/27/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 43"><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> <B><U> <A NAME="sports_writers___being_detrimental_to"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Sports Writers & Being Detrimental to Stock Car Racing 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> 3/13/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> I must begin by thanking everyone who wrote me last week about the SPIN OUT of Robby Gordon and Greg Biffle.</div> <bR> <div> For those who disagreed with me and participated in a mature debate about the issue, I respect your views and you certainly make my job fun! For the thousands (okay maybe not quite thousands) who agreed with me, we share the common view that drivers under contract and being support by BIG NAME sponsors should take responsibility for their actions during the season. I was glad to see someone with the COURAGE to actually ask Robby Gordon about his daredevil activity. During an interview with Robby on NASCAR This Morning on Fox Sports Net, former crew chief Barry Dodson was the only man with enough GUTS to call Robby on the carpet. Finally someone asked the hard questions instead of tossing up softballs, WAY TO GO BARRY!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>SPORTS WRITERS</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Can't live with them, but you can't live without them! We all know elite sports writers dictate the subject of the week. Remember last year's subject that the media seemed to write about every week - when will Jeff Gordon win again? Was I the only one thrilled when he did win, so everyone would just shut-up about it? Well, seems like this week the BIG STORY is Jimmy Spencer and how he has turned it all around!</div> <bR> <div> Florida Today, Winston Salem Journal, Dave Rodman at NASCAR.com, Rocky Mountain News, and the St. Petersburg Times all have written about Jimmy Spencer this week. Even one of my favorite sites whose initials are CF had a passionate story about Jimmy and his team. I read these columns and wonder to myself, it is all so deserving? I mean, COME ON PEOPLE, Jimmy Spencer has a good race and all the sudden he has turned around the #7 team?</div> <bR> <div> Personally, I would think after he runs good in multiple races, writers would then give him the positive space. Then and only then a claim of turning around the #7 team would be justified. But, up to this point, I do not see any reason to give him any credit. If you think I am being too harsh, then I introduce these facts for all to chew on:</div> <bR> <div> 1. Last year at this time, Jimmy was driving the #41 Target Dodge and he was sitting 27th in Winston Cup points. He may have been down in points because he did not make the Daytona 500.</div> <bR> <div> 2. This year, Jimmy is driving another Dodge with possibly a better crew chief than last year. Unlike last year, he made the Daytona 500 giving him the opportunity to gain more points, yet he sits 23rd in Winston Cup points, only 4 positions better than last year.</div> <bR> <div> EXCUSE ME writers, this story is a NON-STORY! Why not write about Johnny Benson who is up 17 positions from last year at this time? Kevin Harvick and Joe Nemechek both enjoy a huge turn-around from last year. Better yet, ask the HARD questions! What's wrong with teams like Jeremy Mayfield, Terry Labonte and Mike Skinner who are falling further in the points, even compared to last year and all should be climbing up the Winston Cup scale. Is the week so boring, that we must read about a driver and a team who without any justification, is being put up on a mountain and hailed as being "turned around?" My last word on this is, THIS BITES! (That's my plug for Sirius)</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>ACTIONS DETRIMENTAL TO STOCK CAR RACING</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Why is it every time someone receives a penalty their actions are detrimental to stock car racing? NASCAR cracks me up!</div> <bR> <div> The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines "detrimental" as harmful and damaging. With that bit of knowledge, James Ince crew chief for Johnny Benson was fined $1,000 for an unapproved fuel filler check valve assembly. According to NASCAR his violation, found in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book: Section 12-4-Q, "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules", but to throw in a final blow to James NASCAR added Section 12-4-A: "Actions detrimental to stock car racing."</div> <bR> <div> Why isn't rule 12-4-Q good enough for NASCAR? If James broke a rule, by all means fine him and collect the cash. But, why in just about every penalty they pass out must NASCAR use the "Actions detrimental to stock car racing " reason? Did James really harm NASCAR? Is what he did damaging?</div> <bR> <div> They did not take points away, which would mean his actions didn't cause Johnny's performance to improve, so is it really detrimental, damaging or harmful?</div> <bR> <div> I say NASCAR has an "Actions detrimental to stock car racing" problem. It seems they love throwing this penalty out. They should use rule 12-4-A only in the case of performance enhancing penalties, but what do I know, I am just a FAN. I think by passing out 12-4-A for basically sneezing, NASCAR should be held accountable for "Actions detrimental to stock car racing!"</div> <bR> <div> This weeks SPIN OUT goes to - NASCAR! If drivers and/or crew chiefs are fined for harmful or damaging actions to NASCAR, shouldn't FOX, TNT, FX, NBC and some sponsors receive the same type of penalty? HECK, some of those commercials promoting mature TV shows during the race are surely harmful and damaging to NASCAR's younger viewers, right?</div> <bR> <div> By the way, if you are interested in BOYCOTTING FRENCH PRODUCTS, feel free to email me and I will provide you a listing. Some of our NASCAR sponsors are found on this list and we should let our drivers know how we feel!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 3/13/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 43"><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> <B><U> <A NAME="biffle_gordon_and_fukuyama_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>Biffle, Gordon and Fukuyama 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> 3/5/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Someone slap me and call me stupid! I thought if you were a driver racing in the Winston Cup series, you could be considered among the BEST in motor sports or at a minimum, talented in stock car racing. This past weekend proved that certain drivers may be able to drive in other racing series, but Winston Cup racing THEY CAN NOT!</div> <bR> <div> Sure many drivers like Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon have proven they can jump in a stock car and WIN at the Winston Cup level. However, NASCAR needs to get a CLUE and understand that just because you're a champion in another racing series, doesn't give you a FREE pass to run Winston Cup!</div> <bR> <div> HECK, I am sure any Busch Series driver could run as well if not better than Hideo Fukuyama. NOW, do NOT get me wrong! Hideo is a CHAMPION and he is a great driver within his own sport. The guy has major talent, but OBVIOUSLY not in Winston Cup. I wrote about this last year and I will repeat my stance again. </div> <div> Travis Carter should take him to the Busch Series and let him learn about the cars and the tracks. Throwing him into the FIRE in Winston Cup is WRONG! How many times did he get lapped in Las Vegas last weekend? A TON! It's not fun watching some guy go around and around contributing nothing to the sport!</div> <bR> <div> I am not spitting mad just to be spitting mad, look at these facts! Hideo has not made a Winston Cup race on his own time, he has used a provisional because of Travis Carter's owner points. Yes, he can get into a race using that method, but I tell ya, it's pitiful! In his last three starts, he's started 41st, 43rd and 43rd. What's worst, he finished 33rd in Vegas only because 10 other cars either were out due to an accident or engine problems. In other words, he was the last car running and many laps down! The other two finishes were 43rd and 39th. Again, he finished as the last car running.</div> <bR> <div> Is this what we want in NASCAR Winston Cup racing? For heavens sake Travis, do us FANS a favor, if you want him as you're driver, FINE, GREAT! Just take him to Busch and develop him. Be fair to him and to the other drivers. Then bring him back to compete and maybe you'll be happy you did!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>ROBBY GORDON and GREG BIFFLE</B></I></div> <bR> <div> You would have thought after last years FUN just before the Pocono race, Robby Gordon would have learned his lesson and laid off the extracurricular activities. If you remember he was jumping motorcycles and injured his ankles. Well folks, last week prior to the Vegas race Robby and Greg Biffle decided to head out and jump dune buggies. Sure, we saw how much fun it was when FOX showed the video to us, but am I the only one to stop and think how absolutely ignorant that was? I know they are out to have fun, but let's think about this for a moment.</div> <bR> <div> Gordon and Biffle are professional athletes and their job is to race stock cars in the Winston Cup series. I would say the highest honor in any racers career is to be at this level. Owners and the sponsors that provide the dollars for these teams INVEST millions to promote their product. In many cases sponsors use the drivers themselves as their primary marketing tool to promote their service or product, just look at Dale Jarrett and Kenny Wallace. Could you image, Dale going out and jumping motorcycles or dune buggies? I am sure his sponsor would FLIP knowing that they PAY him to race their car and he is putting himself at such risk.</div> <bR> <div> I am shocked that RCR and Roush do not prohibit their drivers from doing such activities. I do not have a problem if anyone wants to go and play during the off-season, but to risk a career during the season amazes me.</div> <bR> <div> At this point, I am very disappointed in Greg Biffle. Here is a ROOKIE making his first attempt at Winston Cup, running for ROOKIE of the YEAR and has the backing of a great racing organization and sponsor. He goes out on Thursday, one day before qualifying and races dune buggies. I am sure his mind is set on having a good time jumping around in the sand with his o'le pal Robby Gordon. The next day he sees his teammates (one in particular who runs extremely well at Las Vegas) qualify 5th, 7th, 17th and 29th. Then Biffle goes out and doesn't even make the race. He knows what kind of situation he is in, he knows he has no owner points to lean back on and he MUST make the race on time. Does he spend extra time at the track working through notes and set-ups with his team? NO! He is out playing dune buggies! Give me a break. He disappointed his team, his FANS and his sponsor.</div> <bR> <div> On Grainger's web-site, Greg is quoted in saying, "My most important goal of the (2003) season is to win Raybestos Rookie of the Year." My question is if it's so important, why when you have the equipment and team resources did you not set your goal to qualify for Vegas?</div> <bR> <div> This weeks SPIN OUT goes to - GREG BIFFLE! Take a lesson from your teammate Kurt Busch's latest NASCAR commercial, GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 3/5/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 43"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>