May 2004 Archive Columns

<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> <bR> </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>May 2004</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#biffle_vs__roush_and_rockingham_get" TITLE="May 2004 Archive Columns"><U>Biffle vs. Roush and Rockingham Get Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#tony_vs__dw_and_busch_series_drivers" TITLE="May 2004 Archive Columns"><U>Tony vs. DW and Busch Series Drivers Get Bumped </U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#joe_gibbs_racing_and_nextel_series_cup" TITLE="May 2004 Archive Columns"><U>Joe Gibbs Racing and Nextel Series Cup Owners 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> <bR> <div> <B><U> <A NAME="biffle_vs__roush_and_rockingham_get"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Biffle vs. Roush and Rockingham 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> 5/28/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Now I've seen it all!</div> <bR> <div> If I came to you and said - let's put a diamond worth thousands of dollars on the nosecone of a Formula 1 car and race it, what would you say? Exactly!</div> <bR> <div> The Jaguar Racing Formula 1 team did just that. In one of the most idiotic marketing plans that I've seen come down the pike in a long time, the Jaguar team fitted a diamond on the nose of both of their team cars. During the first lap of the Monaco Grand Prix, one of their drivers crashed the car into the wall, nose first. Now the diamond has disappeared.</div> <bR> <div> The team is offering a $65,000 X-Type Jaguar as a reward for anyone who finds the diamond and returns it to the team.</div> <bR> <div> Jeez and I was told that the Formula 1 folks were auto racing's most intelligent group.</div> <bR> <div> I'm not sure what's more amusing, loosing the diamond or putting it on the nose of the car in the first place. Tell me they didn't see this coming!</div> <bR> <div> <B>ROCKINGHAM</B></div> <div> The NASCAR big wigs have decided to say goodbye to the North Carolina Speedway (Rockingham) and take their race date and give it to the Texas Motor Speedway. With the sport growing in popularity, NASCAR has taken the 2005 schedule and changed it. From this point forward NASCAR has made a statement, if you can't fill your seats - you will loose your NEXTEL Cup event.</div> <div> North Carolina Speedway could not fill their seats and because of their lack of getting fans in the stands, they have been shunned from the NASCAR family. </div> <bR> <div> "The Rock" no more! Tissue anyone?</div> <bR> <div> The drivers are upset about leaving Rockingham. They loved the track. The side by side racing was fun to watch and fun to drive, but they understand the financial side of the deal, because deep down money talks. The drivers are moving on!</div> <bR> <div> The fans, especially the ones who have cheered NASCAR on for years are peeved. They see NASCAR leaving a traditional track for a new track. They see the history, the tradition. It's all about the history man!</div> <bR> <div> History or no history, I'm having a hard time blaming this one on NASCAR. Actually, I'm having a hard time blaming the fans too. Yes, in my eyes even the fans are partially off the hook on this one.</div> <bR> <div> I find it hard to believe that NASCAR fans just simply didn't show up to watch the kind of exciting racing that Rockingham provided. We hear the media, NASCAR and the drivers make simple excuses for closing down an entire racetrack.</div> <bR> <div> So, did NASCAR kill North Carolina Speedway or was it the FANS? Maybe it's neither!</div> <bR> <div> Back in 1999, The University of North Carolina's Office of Economic </div> <div> Development conducted a study to identify opportunities for the Speedway. Also included in the study were ways to enhance the economic development of local and regional communities.</div> <bR> <div> You may be wondering what they found, but before we get into the findings, I want to find out why they did this study in the first place? Well, I have two viewpoints on why they did it. First, they were being proactive in trying to increase revenues throughout their community.</div> <bR> <div> They also knew the NASCAR race held at the North Carolina Speedway directly impacted the community by bringing in an estimated $11 million in revenue. However, was it possible that back in 1999 they began to see a downward trend of fans attending the races? Could it be that even back in 1999 local officials knew what needed to be done to ensure an increased number of visitors to the area? Keep in mind, the excuse on why North Carolina Speedway lost their NASCAR race was because they couldn't fill the seats.</div> <bR> <div> From the study, they found out that at least half of the visitors (based on 100,000 Speedway visitors) were day-trippers, who only spend one day in town to watch the race. Yes, 50% come in one day and out on the same day. 18.5% camp at the track or at a local campground and 26.5% of the race fans stay at local hotels.</div> <bR> <div> Based on the results above, the University felt the local community needed to find a reason to keep the day-trippers in town for more than just one day. Because the day-trippers were obviously the key to their success, it was recommended by the University to develop Friday and Saturday visitor draws for race weekends similar to what Darlington and Martinsville offers. You know - a big name draw for a concert or some other type of entertainment.</div> <bR> <div> It seems the number of restaurants in the local area was an issue too. The University recommended adding two or three mid-range restaurants to the Richmond Country area. In addition, other recommendations included adding retail magnets such as a racing store or convenience store. Also they recommended changing the minimum stay requirements at local hotels because most hotels had a minimum 2 or 3 night stay requirement.</div> <bR> <div> So, did the local officials make the needed changes to bring people to the track and to the local community? My guess is since they are loosing their race, no they didn't!</div> <bR> <div> So now, who killed North Carolina Speedway?</div> <bR> <div> <B>BIFFLE V. ROUSH</B></div> <div> The time has come that all NASCAR owners fear the most. The time where two of your drivers wreck each other and then one of them verbally attacks the other on live TV. Yesterday a happy family under one roof, today a family feud is underway at Roush Racing.</div> <bR> <div> During the All-Star race, Kurt Busch driver of the #97 Roush Racing Ford ran over his teammate Greg Biffle driver of the #16 Roush Racing Ford. Greg spun and wrecked. In the wreck several drivers were either taken out of the race or damaged their cars. All-Stars like Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon just to name a few were involved in the Busch/Biffle tango. Kurt Busch who "crashed the party" was also sent to the garage.</div> <bR> <div> Even though Busch admitted fault and apologized, Biffle didn't go easy on his teammate. For the first time in his career at Roush Racing, Biffle's tone seemed different. He brought up Kevin Harvick's "Rubberhead" term for Busch, (even though he didn't say it directly, he deferred to Kevin Harvick's description of Busch). Greg Biffle also brought up the new Ford engines. New Ford engines (with more power) were given to those Ford drivers who held the top point positions, so they could test the new power plant during the All-Star event. Biffle was not among those drivers receiving the higher-powered engines and he seemed bitter about it. Honestly, I can't blame him. He was at a disadvantage against his own teammates and he is a racer!</div> <bR> <div> To make this situation even more interesting, Biffle raced in the Busch Series the day after the All-Star race in his #60 Roush Racing Ford. With engine problems, Biffle was forced to retire early from the race. His comments after the race also seemed to have a bitter tone to them. My view is that his comments were directed at the Roush engine program.</div> <bR> <div> In believe Biffle is no longer happy at Roush. As many of you know, I am in Detroit often, actually twice this week alone. I'm hearing the same Detroit rumors that some other media members are hearing. That Biffle's Roush Racing contract expires this year and he is not resigning. As a matter of fact, I believe Greg Biffle will be driving for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) as early as this year. It all depends on where Biffle ends up in points after the first 26 races.</div> <bR> <div> Biffle could end up taking over the #30 AOL Chevrolet replacing RCR driver Johnny Sauter or another sponsorship could be in the works for the #33 RCR Chevrolet. The #33 has been running part-time with Kerry Earnhardt at the wheel.</div> <div> If we take a step back, it all makes sense. Biffle ran a Chevrolet last year in the Busch Series much to the objection to Ford. He was also driving against his Roush teammates. That tells me he is not dedicated to Ford or Roush Racing.</div> <div> Roush Racing does have young talent in the Craftsman Truck Series that could jump into Biffle's #16 Ford. I do not see Jack Roush (Roush Racing owner) as happy with Biffle in the NEXTEL Cup Series as he was with Biffle in the Busch Series or Craftsman Truck Series.</div> <bR> <div> Then there is RCR. Unlike other NEXTEL Cup team owners, Richard Childress does not have a strong driver development program. This means RCR does not have young drivers waiting in the wings to jump up to the NEXTEL Cup Series. So bringing in Biffle would fix many problems at RCR. In addition to adding talent to the RCR stable, Biffle would make things even more interesting at RCR. He has had issues with Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon (the two other RCR stars) in the past. Their issues seem to be left in the past, maybe because Harvick, Gordon and Biffle have no love for Kurt Busch. This means Kurt Busch is the RCR x-factor.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - BIFFLE v. ROUSH! Going through the big D and I don't mean Dallas?</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 5/28/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="May 2004 Archive Columns"><U><U>Top of Page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <U> <A NAME="tony_vs__dw_and_busch_series_drivers"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U><B><U>Tony vs. DW and Busch Series 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> 5/20/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Before I get all cranked up, I want to make everyone aware of some breaking news! Our friend Andy Belmont will drive the "Dave Despain for President" car in Saturday's big NEXTEL Cup Series All-Star Challenge "Open" race.</div> <bR> <div> The winner of the "Open" will advance into the "All-Star" event and race against Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth just to name a few. NASCAR has made it even more interesting this year. The fans now have the opportunity to vote one of the "Open" drivers into the "All-Star" race.</div> <bR> <div> On Saturday, Andy will participate in the "Open" race. We are asking fans to go to www.nascar.com and vote to have Andy advance into the big "All-Star" race. If Andy is voted into the "All Star" race, he will donate all his winnings from the "All Star" race to the Penndel Fire Company's New Truck Fund. They are in need of a new fire truck and you the fan, can help make this happen.</div> <bR> <div> <B>TONY VS. DW</B></div> <div> I have received a ton of email from DW fans and Tony fans wanting me to back their guy and SPIN OUT the other guy. Well, I just can't do it! Just like President Bush 41 would say in this type of situation, "it wouldn't be prudent at this juncture!"</div> <bR> <div> I will say this about the verbal spar between Darrell Waltrip and Tony Stewart; it's the ultimate track smack! Young driver versus old driver - Generation Xer versus Baby Boomer - the clash of past champions!</div> <bR> <div> We can go after Tony for all the on-track incidents that he's initiated this year, but to jump all over Tony for voicing his opinion about DW and the media would be wrong of me. Heck, I speak my opinion all the time. Plus, I gave Tony a hard enough time when he verbally slammed John Andretti during the pre-race show at the Daytona 500. I did that because Tony crossed the line. But, if Tony wants to bring up DW's final two years of his career in NASCAR's premier series - hey who am I to stop him.</div> <bR> <div> See folks, I'm a firm believer that NASCAR needs this type of fun. The NASCAR brass seems to always step in squash any type of rivalry that develops. NASCAR also doesn't have a true bad-boy. What, you think Kurt Busch is our bad-boy? Give me a break people! A NASCAR bad-boy intimidates other drivers and I don't see Kurt doing that. Just ask Jimmy Spencer!</div> <bR> <div> Tony is intimidating! Love him or hate him, he wears this shoe perfectly and I think he is ready for the role. No one will replace Dale Earnhardt as the Intimidator, but I think you would have to agree, we sure miss his style. Tony is bringing back Dale's style of racing. I like it!</div> <bR> <div> As for DW, "Jaws" is doing exactly what he needs to be doing - his job! He gets paid the big bucks to push buttons. There is nothing wrong with DW giving his opinion about Tony's driving. DW has not attacked Tony personally. When you read DW's columns, he says time and time again how much he likes Tony. But, he is critical of Tony's driving and he has every right to be critical. People, that is okay! Mike Joy, Larry Mac and DW are doing their job. I can't spin them out for that!</div> <bR> <div> Keep sending me the emails, because I like seeing all of your opinions. However, until I see Tony cross the line of trashing our sport - I will sit back and enjoy the verbal sparring. To be honest, I think it could be scripted because NASCAR on Fox will soon be NASCAR on NBC and what will we talk about then?</div> <bR> <div> <B>BUSCH SERIES DRIVERS</B></div> <div> I'm calling out Kenny Wallace!</div> <bR> <div> And, David Green!</div> <bR> <div> Lets add Jason Keller, Bobby Hamilton Jr., Ron Hornaday, Tim Fedewa and the rest of the Busch Series drivers to the "calling out" list!</div> <bR> <div> What is wrong with you all?</div> <bR> <div> What ever happened to a rookie driver earning his stripes?</div> <bR> <div> If I were a veteran Busch Series driver, I would be embarrassed that Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. have come into my house - my Series, and after 11 races leads in championship points in the Busch Series. These two Busch Series young guns are kicking your rear-ends!</div> <bR> <div> Oh sure, Kyle Busch has great equipment in his Hendrick/Lowe's #5 Chevrolet and the Series has his last name. And, sure Martin Truex Jr. has great equipment in his Chance 2/DEI #8 Chevrolet and has Dale Earnhardt Jr. coaching him around the track. But, what ever happened to making life difficult for another driver on the track? Why is it so easy for these guys to pass you all?</div> <bR> <div> Last weekend, Greg Biffle was running second behind Kyle Busch and had a chance to put the bumper to Kyle, but instead let him go. Kyle won. That's not the Biffle I know!</div> <bR> <div> Is this what it has come too? So much darn respect that you would let a rookie beat you without rattling him. For crying out load, I don't think Kyle has even started shaving yet and he is schooling these Busch Series veterans.</div> <div> I was afraid this would happen. We're all buddy, buddy. It's a "he's my friend and I'm so happy to see him win" attitude. Let's hug!</div> <bR> <div> We wonder why the young guns are so successful so early. It's because they don't have to come in and earn the respect anymore. They can just come in, get a great ride and kick butt. No questions asked.</div> <bR> <div> Are they going to win races, these young guns? Sure they will. But you know what, they would have to move me out of their way to do it. I want to see someone with the guts to say - I'm in front of you rookie and I own this track. I want this win worst than you do rookie and you are going to have to take it away from me, so move me! I may be slightly slower than you, and you may have Hendrick equipment, but I want this win and your gonna need to put your nose on my tail and move me out of your way!</div> <bR> <div> And if you do move me - I'm coming after you rookie!</div> <bR> <div> Come on Kenny Wallace, are you listening? Same for you Green and Keller! Hamilton Jr., and Hornaday where are you? Hey Fedewa and Atwood, make these guys beat you!</div> <bR> <div> A rookie leading in the point standings on your watch!</div> <bR> <div> This is your calling out men. I want someone to step up and show the world that nothing, not a bad handling car or weaker equipment is enough to let a rookie beat you! Then step up to the microphone and yell out - "Who is your Daddy!"</div> <bR> <div> This motivational speech has been brought to you by - YJ Stinger! "You are the man!"</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - Busch Series Drivers! There is no crying in racing.</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 5/20/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="May 2004 Archive Columns"><U><U>Top of Page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <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="joe_gibbs_racing_and_nextel_series_cup"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>Joe Gibbs Racing and Nextel Series Cup Owners 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> 5/14/2004 </div> <bR> <div> Hold on - here is the bump and the SPIN OUT!</div> <bR> <div> Richmond racing! Short track baby!</div> <bR> <div> On Saturday night my attention will be on Tony Stewart and Rusty Wallace to see what happens next in this rivalry between two hard charging racers. Did I say rivalry? Do we finally have a true rivalry in NASCAR?</div> <bR> <div> Two weeks ago Rusty said Tony flipped the middle finger at him as he bumped past his #2 Dodge. With a few choice words, Rusty said he'd like to take Tony's finger and shove it up - well, you can use your imagination to finish up the sentence.</div> <bR> <div> This weekend's short track battle should be a good one!</div> <bR> <div> <B>JOE GIBBS RACING</B></div> <div> There is so much talk lately about Tony Stewart and his over-aggressive driving style. Some want NASCAR to punish Tony, while others blame car setups or other drivers for Tony's "move out of my way" attitude.</div> <bR> <div> Personally, I can't blame other drivers. If a driver is going too slow, then go around him instead of punting him. If a driver pulls down in front of you then let up, slow down. That's right! Take your foot off the accelerator! Don't hit him causing a major wreck.</div> <bR> <div> If someone stops in front of you, the normal reaction is to brake. It seems to me Tony isn't reacting to what is normal. It's like he isn't paying attention.</div> <div> Do I think Tony should sit out a race because he's not paying attention? Heavens no! In my opinion, this entire situation is bigger than Tony Stewart. I think something is happening behind the doors at Joe Gibbs Racing causing Tony's head not be in the game.</div> <bR> <div> Any race fan and driver should agree that Tony Stewart is one of the best race car drivers in the world. The man has talent. It doesn't matter the type of car he's racing, sprint, open wheel or stock cars, Tony has mastered them all. He has won championship after championship and seeing him punt or driving into the side of another driver isn't the typical style of Tony Stewart.</div> <bR> <div> We know that his driving style of late has the attention of NASCAR. Recently, Tony met with NASCAR prior to the California race. NASCAR wanted to find out what was going on in the mind of Tony. NASCAR must have been satisfied, because we have not seen any type of warning or measure of discipline against Tony. It's nice to see NASCAR leave this situation alone.</div> <bR> <div> You must be wondering why I am placing blame on Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). My first clue came from J.D. Gibbs. J.D. is the son of Joe Gibbs and JGR president. According to a May 3rd column from Marty Smith at NASCAR.com, J.D. doesn't see any of this as an issue. J.D. said, "This is racing. More often than not, you'll walk away unhappy."</div> <bR> <div> I'm sorry, but when NASCAR calls a meeting with you because you are being overly aggressive on the track, it's more than just racing. If that were normal, every driver in Nextel Cup would be meeting with NASCAR.</div> <bR> <div> I see a cover up happening at JGR. I think Tony is not happy and his head is not in it. If your head is not in it, you tend to care less. Tony doesn't care that his own car is getting beat up nonetheless other cars are getting torn up.</div> <bR> <div> The owner of JGR Joe Gibbs, has gone back to coaching the Washington Redskins in the NFL. As most know, Tony needs attention and I do not see him getting it anymore at JGR with the coach now gone. Sure, he is around when needed. But, Joe Gibbs can't be there as much as he was for Tony last year or during the championship year of 2002.</div> <bR> <div> In the past when Tony was mad, he would pull a disappearing act right after the race. Lately, he is right there in front of the cameras. I'm suspicious.</div> <div> Maybe there is an out clause in his contract that says if he doesn't win a race or if he wrecks a specific number of cars, then he can move on. My guess is he is eyeing the #1 DEI car so he can team up with Dale Jr. My gut tells me he wants that ride and his heart is no longer with JGR. It's just a hunch.</div> <bR> <div> <B>NEXTEL CUP SERIES OWNERS</B></div> <div> Flipping through the channels, I caught an episode of The Walton's. Remember that show? John-boy, Mary Ellen and all the other characters that made the show fun to watch. I'm only in my 30's, so I am not that old people! The show did embrace family values and I like that.</div> <bR> <div> In this episode, the Walton's whose family business was built around a sawmill, were competing against another local sawmill to see who could be the first one to deliver lumber to the county for a rail road that was washed out from a recent rain storm. The winning sawmill would receive a contract from the county to provide lumber for another project.</div> <bR> <div> Ben Walton, one of the Walton sons decided to run away from home. To make a 30-minute story short, Ben ended up working for the sawmill competing against his family. Poor Ben didn't know about the competition, but when he learned of it, he quit the job and went back home.</div> <bR> <div> How am I relating this Walton's episode to NASCAR? Well, I see a major problem in NASCAR where Nextel Cup owners allow their drivers to venture to a lower series and race against their own teams.</div> <bR> <div> Tony Stewart is a huge offender of this practice. Tony drives for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in the Nextel Cup Series. The #20 Home Depot Chevrolet is Tony's primary car. Tony is under contract with JGR. However, Tony will venture to the Busch Series and race for Richard Childress, DEI and now it's been announced that he will run a car for Kevin Harvick. When he races in the Busch Series, he competes against two other JGR teammates. I do not understand this practice.</div> <bR> <div> Kevin Harvick who races for Richard Childress Racings (RCR), owns a truck in the Craftsman Truck Series, however RCR does not run a truck. But, Kevin is starting up a Busch Series team and RCR does have two cars running in that series. Kevin is racing against his primary owner.</div> <bR> <div> Michael Waltrip does it too and so does Robby Gordon. Oh sure, Michael, Robby and Kevin all use their primary owners equipment, but my question is where is the conflict of interest?</div> <bR> <div> Could you the fan, in your current position at your job, go work for your employer's competition for a few days? I don't think so.</div> <bR> <div> Could you the fan, start a business that would directly compete against your employer without getting fired? No, because it would be deemed a conflict of interest.</div> <bR> <div> I would think the teams allowing it would be fearful of loosing confidential setup information. Also, I can't imagine being an owner and allowing my primary driver to race against me in another series where he could beat me. It makes no sense at all.</div> <bR> <div> Well, I guess it does make sense if you look at the cents. There is so much money floating around that these guys might as well take advantage of it. The owners are providing the equipment where they make more money. Sponsors are attracted where the owners make more money. The Busch Series is seeing the big names running in their races, which equals more money in ticket sales. Drivers are winning more money and they're able to network with other teams and owners.</div> <bR> <div> It's a cycle that these guys have down to a science. We wonder why it's so hard for new drivers to get into the sport and why the diversity program isn't where it should be. It's because it's almost a monopoly.</div> <bR> <div> There is room for new talent in NASCAR. The Busch Series has the room if the top owners would put new faces in their equipment. You know the equipment I'm talking about. The RCR and DEI type of equipment where a female driver could have a real shot of making it. Why do we see drivers race against their primary owners in the Busch Series when those open seats can be used to develop new talent, minority talent?</div> <bR> <div> Something smells real bad when I see this type of practice going on. Who owns whose contract? Can the drivers really drive for who they want no matter if they end up driving against their own team? NASCAR and their Nextel Cup team owners need to forget the "closed circle" attitude that they currently have. It's too obvious to me that the rich are getting richer while those in control turn the other cheek and allow it to happen.</div> <bR> <div> This week's SPIN OUT goes to - Nextel Cup Series Owners! You people are running a business right?</div> <bR> <div> God Bless our Troops, our President and America!</div> <bR> <div> Until next week, happy bumping!</div> <bR> <div> Copyright 5/14/2004 </div> <div> by Mike Harper </div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="#the_spin_out_zone" TITLE="May 2004 Archive Columns"><U><U>Top of Page</U></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>