Title 44

<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>January & February 2003</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#mike_wallace_gets_bumped_" TITLE="Title 44"><U>Mike Wallace Gets Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#roush_racing___rookie_of_the_year" TITLE="Title 44"><U>Roush Racing & Rookie of the Year Candidates Get Bumped</U></A> </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#2003_special_preview_the_cost_to_be_a" TITLE="Title 44"><U>2003 Special Preview, The Cost to be a FAN & Brooke Gordon Gets 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="mike_wallace_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>Mike Wallace 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> 2/26/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Finally we saw some PASSION in racing. Unfortunately for the Winston Cup FAN it happened on Monday during the Busch Series race.</div> <bR> <div> I am not talking about the love of racing, however I am talking about true, fierce competition. In a sport built on many factors, RIVALRY between drivers has always been one of the top components in attracting FANS. Let's face it, years back JEFF GORDON FANS wanted anyone to win but DALE EARNHARDT and vice versa for EARNHARDT FANS. Today, there is really no major rivalry in Winston Cup. Last years rivalry between Kurt Busch and Jimmy Spencer was one to watch, but NASCAR'S top cop put a halt to it.</div> <bR> <div> Kevin Harvick's mad dash to get in the face of Greg Biffle last year was another fine illustration of a driver who displayed his emotions for all to see. What's wrong with getting down right TEED OFF when a competitor makes a stupid mistake, takes you out of a race and destroys an expensive racecar? I SAY NOTHING!</div> <div> What concerns me is a driver who shows NO EMOTION after a major event and walks away. Unless you are racing at Bristol, NASCAR will fine you for any type of outburst and for the FAN; it has taken the RIVALRY out of the sport.</div> <bR> <div> If you are a TONY STEWART FAN, who do you love to hate? What about you JEFF GORDON FANS, who do you love to hate? RUSTY FANS? Hello anyone? Now after Monday's race in the Busch Series, if you are a MIKE WALLACE FAN, you can't stand the sight of Shane Hmiel. Hey RIVALRY!</div> <bR> <div> Without taking sides, the final outcome was Shane and Mike got into each other and their day ended, early, period. Mike's FANS blame Shane and Shane's FANS blame, uh I guess Larry Gunselman or maybe Rockingham. Since Shane was passing Larry when it all went down, I am sure Larry could be apart of the blame game.</div> <bR> <div> After the crash took place, Mike was furious and jumped out of his car. Shane did the same thing and one thing led to another. After Mike gave Shane a verbal spanking, the Busch Series Officials broke them up. The funny part came after they were broke up, then and only then, Shane got brave. He began pointing and yelling at Mike as Mike walked away. Mike did at one point turn back and yelled something about his mother, (maybe a four letter word was attached to it) and walked away.</div> <bR> <div> During the altercation I am thinking YES! I want this rivalry, the sport needs this rivalry! Who would have thunk it would be a Mike Wallace / Shane Hmiel rivalry, but at this point who cares? Two drivers who can't stand each other and now each and every time they pass each other, everyone is watching to see what happens! FOLKS WE NEED THIS! What else do we have? I am not content watching one, two or maybe three lead changes. It makes for a boring race. Who is with me here?</div> <bR> <div> Now I'll stop and add, even though I enjoyed these two competitors getting into each other's face, I am very disappointed with Mike Wallace. No, not because he used bad language. No, not because he lost his tempter. Because he SNAPPED!</div> <bR> <div> After reading Mike's comments on NASCAR.com, I believe Mike Wallace is a very bitter man. I have always enjoyed watching all the Wallace brothers' race. I think Mike Wallace, given great equipment is a very good racer. He proved it when he stepped in for Jeremy Mayfield after Jeremy left Roger Penske and I think if Mike had time, he would have won many races in the #12. However after this incident with Shane Hmiel, he didn't stick to blaming Shane, he blames the media and the young drivers of NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> Mike said "The media has made the young guys into superstars. Everybody in radio, television, newspapers, they're the 'Young guns, young stars.' They can do whatever they want. They think they're invincible. They don't care if they wreck people. People keep putting them in rides. It doesn't matter how much they tear up."</div> <bR> <div> Mike Wallace the 43-year-old veteran has struggled to find a solid ride in Winston Cup. I see a guy whose clock is ticking away, busting his rear-end to make something happen while he watches several young drivers getting the opportunity to drive great equipment, winning races and poles thus ending his chances at driving in the big leagues. It's a sad story, I just think for Mike, Shane Hmiel happened to be the straw that broke the camel's back!</div> <bR> <div> I am not in Mike's head and I am not psychologist, but I call it like I see it and it was Mike who expressed his thoughts for the entire world to hear. So, is the new NASCAR rivalry the world against Mike, the media against Mike, Shane against Mike or the young guns against Mike? I guess we'll wait to see how NASCAR'S young guns react to Mike Wallace's comments to answer this question.</div> <bR> <div> This weeks SPIN OUT goes to - MIKE WALLACE! Mike if I was you, I would tell them owners who passed you up for a younger driver that age comes before beauty in racing too!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 2/26/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 44"><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> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="roush_racing___rookie_of_the_year"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>Roush Racing & Rookie of the Year Candidates 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> 2/12/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> As Winston Cup FANS, we are not short on Rookie of the Year Candidates in 2003. However, I truly believe we will be extremely disappointed with their campaign of racing for the title. Compared to last year's battle between Rookie of the Year winner Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson, I predict this year's group will lack excitement and rivalry.</div> <bR> <div> How can any group of rookies out-perform the Ryan & Jimmie Show of last year? Both drivers won at a level few can only dream about. Both drivers outperformed some of the best drivers and teams in Qualifying to take Poll after Poll and yes, both finished the season in the Top 10 in Winston Cup Points. Unbelievable accomplishments!</div> <bR> <div> Greg Biffle, Larry Foyt, Jamie McMurray, Casey Mears, Tony Raines and Jack Sprague head into Daytona as OUR candidates bidding for the ROTY title. Obviously Biffle and McMurray lead this class as they have a proven record of winning, however both will find their challenges throughout the season.</div> <bR> <div> I am not SOLD on Biffle yet and I think he'll find his pears at this level of racing will not put up with his whining attitude. He's playing with the BIG BOYS now and he is no longer THE MAN. Unlike in the Busch series last year, his competitors will not move over when he wants them to. I think Wally Dallenbach will back me up on this issue. For Biffle, unfortunately he'll have the HARVICK FACTOR going against him. Kevin Harvick may end up being his worst nightmare and could cost him the ROTY title. Time will only tell if Kevin has forgotten his o'l buddy Greg.</div> <bR> <div> Do we have a new Boy Wonder in Jamie McMurray? If his new team is anything LESS than the #40 Coors team last year, then Jamie will have a long, painful rookie year. Last year, he benefited from an experienced Coors team, who lost their driver to injury. I will admit it, he impressed me. I BUMPED Chip for his choice, but he proved many others and me wrong. However, the big question is can Jamie keep impressing or will he need time to jell with his new team? If he needs time, he may loose out on the ROTY title and Chip could grow impatient with him as he did with Jimmy Spencer. I doubt he'll pull the plug on Jamie as he did with Jimmy, but Jamie will most likely need to keep in front of Casey Mears, his rookie teammate, if he wants to keep Chip happy.</div> <bR> <div> As for the others, don't expect too much action from them. I think they'll struggle to make races and when they do make them, they'll end up being another under-funded team that has no chance against the deep pocket teams. Same old dance. I wish and can only hope I am wrong. Casey Mears does have the best shot in this group because he has the teammates, the sponsor and solid ownership behind him. Is he the dark horse? Maybe, but if I had to put my fantasy dollars on someone, it would unfortunately have be Greg Biffle. My gut says Biffle, I hope its McMurray.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>ROUSH RACING</B></I></div> <bR> <div> I am completely lost for words on what is happening at Roush Racing. Do I feel sorry for them or do I simply chalk this up as a bad management decision that will eventually come back around and bite them in the rear-end? Time will tell.</div> <bR> <div> It's being reported that Kyle Busch has signed with Hendrick Motorsports for 2003. The younger brother of Kurt Busch, who currently drives for Roush Racing, has made a name for himself as one of the future stars of NASCAR. At 17 years old, he is unable to drive in NASCAR because of his age, however Roush Racing has had a huge interest in this kid and had planned on putting him in the Truck Series this May after he turned 18, the age required to drive in NASCAR. However, something now has happened and Kyle's deal with Roush Racing fell through. Just like many years ago when Jeff Gordon was with Bill Davis Racing, Rick Hendrick is right there to pick up the pieces and now is the beneficiary.</div> <bR> <div> Just last year, both Bill Davis Racing and Roush Racing complained about other teams coming in and taking their employees away. If you remember, Joe Gibbs Racing was accused of taking Jeff Burton's top tire changer and the folks at Roush were rather upset. Jeff Burton said at the time "over the years we have put increasing effort into employee morale. Next year you'll see the next phase of it." I gave them a hard time then and I am going to give them a hard time now because it's the next year and they just shot employee morale down the tubes. They just kissed a future Winston Cup winner, another young gun and a real opportunity for future championships goodbye. Why? In this time of owners struggling to make ends meet, desperately looking for sponsors, looking for a young talent, why would you let this one go?</div> <bR> <div> For Hendrick Motorsports they took a risk and won the prize. It's kind of like draft day in the NFL or NBA. They just signed the 1st pick in the draft and the future looks bright for an all ready talented organization. For Terry Labonte and Joe Nemechek, this is a wake up call. Both sponsors, Kellogg's and Delphi Automotive/UAW-GM's contract is up after the 2003 season and they will be foaming at the mouth to have an opportunity to land a young gun to market to their customers. Terry and Joe's contract is basically year to year and if Terry shows no real spark, we'll see Kyle Busch in the #5.</div> <bR> <div> This could only be the beginning of a painful relationship between Roush and the Busch's. If Kurt Busch is unhappy about this situation, he may move on to bigger and brighter opportunities. What a catch he would be! Could you image the DYNASTY if Hendrick Motorsports is there for that catch too? Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch all under the same roof, heck I almost want that to happen.</div> <bR> <div> For now, Roush Racing can only put a band aid on this situation, but this will hurt them long after Mark Martin is gone!</div> <bR> <div> This weeks SPIN OUT goes to - ROUSH RACING! Has anyone at Roush ever heard the saying, "early bird gets the worm?"</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 2/12/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 44"><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> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="2003_special_preview_the_cost_to_be_a"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B></div> <div> <B><U>2003 Special Preview, The Cost to be a FAN & Brooke Gordon 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> 1/29/2003 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Well, the off season is over and the Spin Out Guy is ready for some bumper to bumper, side by side racing. Right after the disastrous Winston Cup award ceremony, I was sitting at my assigned seat next to Michael and Buffy Waltrip. I was signing autographs on some of last years award winning Spin Out columns, when it hit me, just like a lighting bolt blinding me in the face, the off season would fly by and I'll need to get the first 2003 column ready to go. Needless to say, I awoke from my dream and the blinding lighting bolt was my wife turning on the bedroom light. Oh well, I guess it's true, you can't control your dreams!</div> <bR> <div> I've determined over the break that I have a serious problem. It's so serious that I may need to start my own not-for-profit organization called NA or NASCAR ANONYMOUS. They say admitting your problem is the first step, so, I ADMIT IT!</div> <div> You may be asking what brought me to the conclusion that I am a NASCAROLIC? Well, to be honest it's the cost of following this sport. Yes, to get a good fix of our sport, you are going to have to put out the BIG BUCKS!</div> <bR> <div> Compared to other sports, following NASCAR has become extremely expensive. I love to golf even though I am not very good. I spent less than $200 for clubs and I play a few times a year at 20 bucks each time for green fees and a cart. So the cost associated with it is quite low. I enjoy watching hockey. However, Red Wings tickets are hard to get, so the cost is minimal. NASCAR on the other hand makes up for all my interest and then some. For example, some of the races are on Cable TV like FX or TNT. To watch them at home, you need to purchase cable or a dish, so that's roughly $360 a year that needs to be paid to follow those races.</div> <div> Other cost associated include, subscription to the Winston Cup Scene at $60 a year, Track Pass on NASCAR.com at $50 a year and $480 a year for pipeline Internet because I need "Fast" access so Track Pass works properly. To play Ned Jarrett's Fantasy Cup Auto Racing, heck that's $170 for the year (early purchase price) and now that NASCAR inDemand on Pay Per View is available, add another $160 for that. Okay, how sad can this all be? But wait..... It gets worst.</div> <bR> <div> What FAN can go without NASCAR Thunder 2003 for the PlayStation 2? 50 bucks to purchase the game, but you can't play it without the system itself, so add another $250 for the system, control and a memory card to save your championship season. At the end of the season, I just forked out $1,530 and that does not include tickets to a race, die-cast purchases or a hat that goes on SALE. It's all too sad! Maybe I need to find a sponsorship - hey JAYSKI!</div> <div> 2003 Preview</div> <bR> <div> I was so lucky last year. Many drivers, owners and even the Indianapolis Star made my job so easy! I can't wait to see who'll get a good o'le SPIN OUT this year. However, I am sure you are wondering whom I'll be watching and just to give you a sense, I have my eye on is the following bunch:</div> <bR> <div> KURT BUSCH</div> <div> Okay, can he repeat the year he had last year? I say yes, but he could end up on the SPIN OUT list if he can't hold it together!</div> <bR> <div> RICKY CRAVEN </div> <div> Ricky, you need to win a race dog! I think Tide will walk unless they see a big improvement.</div> <bR> <div> LARRY FOYT </div> <div> I didn't see it in the Busch Series, but that's what I said about Jimmie Johnson last year.</div> <bR> <div> ROBBY GORDON </div> <div> I hope your ankle healed well over the off season! I think the Cingular folks may have enough patience for one more year, but you'll need to prove yourself!</div> <bR> <div> JEFF GREEN </div> <div> Uh Jeff, you've got mail.</div> <bR> <div> TERRY LABONTE </div> <div> Terry, I think you'll be the talk of Silly Season this year! I predict you'll end up driving the #19 for Ray Evernham if Mayfield can't prove himself. Just like with Bill Elliott, you'll be re-energized! WOW, am I going out on a limb here?</div> <bR> <div> JEREMY MAYFIELD </div> <div> The future is in your hands and I am worried. Where did the fire go?</div> <bR> <div> JOE NEMECHEK </div> <div> One year my friend!</div> <bR> <div> STEVE PARK </div> <div> I'm praying for you! I am hoping the best for you. This one-year contract is similar to last year and it may have your mind wondering again around Silly Season time.</div> <bR> <div> ELLIOTT SADLER </div> <div> Melt in your mouth, not in your hands! I like Elliott, but he is going to have to prove he belongs with the BIG BOYS. He's likable and he is a fun interview, but when FATBACK turned his back and ran, I became real concerned with this Yates program.</div> <bR> <div> KEN SCHRADER </div> <div> BAM! BAM! BAM! That's Winston Cup retirement BANGING on the door! I know you wanted a ride and the choices were limited, but I hope you know what you are doing!</div> <bR> <div> MIKE SKINNER </div> <div> Does the ownership have enough patience with Mike or will moving to Pontiac be another excuse? I'd love to see Mike win a race THIS YEAR!</div> <bR> <div> JIMMY SPENCER </div> <div> Sponsor is going broke and so will Jimmy! Ended last season bad, started this season with bad news and I give this team less than 6 weeks and they'll be looking for a sponsor.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>SPONSORSHIPS</B></I> </div> <bR> <div> I am not sold on HOOTERS, AMERICA ONLINE, KODAK, SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO and STACKER 2. You ask why? Because their company's profitability concerns me and I am not sure how long they'll be around. We may see some corporate executives take the WAL-MART approach and not spend the money on NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> NASCAR </div> <div> Two words, COST CONTROL. They need to get it under control or sponsorships will walk. Some just can't justify cutting jobs, while spending millions on NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> BEER WAR </div> <div> FREE beer at Daytona! Heck if I was racing, give it to Rusty! Everyone benefits from it, even the drivers, owners and sponsors! Let's make this interesting, I think all the sponsors should get involved. Budweiser and Coors Light should match the Miller Lite promotion and it'll be a BIG O'LE BEER WAR!</div> <div> Imagine, the cereal companies could give away a few boxes of cereal, home improvement centers could give away a discount coupon and Larry Foyt's sponsor Harrah's could give out a token for the slot machine! More? Okay, UPS could ship an item free, one of the oil companies could give away a free oil change, ALLTEL and Cingular good give us FREE minutes and the best one of all, one of our ARMED FORCES sponsorships could give us OSAMA or SADDAM on a silver platter!</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>THE SPIN OUT</B></I></div> <bR> <div> During the State of the Union Address given by President Bush on Tuesday, we heard him address the issues of the economy, health care, AIDS and Iraq. Nothing was mentioned about this Brooke Gordon issue.</div> <bR> <div> It's unbelievable what she is doing to the NASCAR owners, sponsors and drivers. She's one person looking for an EASY FEW MILLION BUCKS and is determined to turn the sport upside down. If a judge forces owners to open their books to prove her point, we may be in for an interesting year!</div> <bR> <div> All she had to do was file for divorce, ask for half without conditions and walk away. Instead she wants it all and EVERYONE involved in NASCAR is going to pay!</div> <bR> <div> This weeks SPIN OUT goes to - BROOKE GORDON! You prove beauty isn't everything and taught Jeff that money can't buy you happiness!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 1/29/2003 </div> <div> by Mike Harper</div> <div>  </div> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="Title 44"><U>Top of Page</U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>