Help me understand

K

kimi

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Why would Ricky Rudd leave Robt. Yates for the Wood brothers? Or anybody else for that matter. Does he really think that he is going to be more successful with them? He may be a more talented driver than Elliot Sadler, but the cars and teams aren't close IMO. So could one of you sperienced fans splain this to me. I'm even more confused than usual.
 
I think Rudd made a mistake last year (or in the off season) by mentioning he might be ready to retire. Yates got scared and scrambled to secure another driver. Then Rudd said he might actually be back for a year or so, and I think panic struck everyone from there.

I have also heard that Fatback McSwain was involved in the panic for Yates to find a new driver, and in doing so helped cause the fall out between himself and Rudd.

In any event, I think it was a breakdown in communications. But I have a feeling that Rudd might do ok next season. He'll kinda be back on his own terf in VA, and working for a less high-profile team.
 
IMO,it would have to be for reasons OTHER than chances of winning.You are excactly right in your statement that the Yates/Wood Bros. are not close in terms of competitivness.Unless of course The Woods and Roush have agreed to cooperate closer,therefore giving Rudd a more realistic chance at victory.:)
 
Rudd still wants to win though, and I think he may have a shot by bringing his 'sperience to the team. Should be a lot of fun to watch next year though!
 
Originally posted by kimi
Why would Ricky Rudd leave Robt. Yates for the Wood brothers?  Or anybody else for that matter.  Does he really think that he is going to be more successful with them?  He may be a more talented driver than Elliot Sadler, but the cars and teams aren't close IMO.  So could one of you sperienced fans splain this to me.  I'm even more confused than usual.
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You didn't know he made a bid for Ganassi??????
 
Yeah I know he was considering Ganassi, but that still is a big step down. He may not be happy now, but at least he has a chance at winning almost every race. Next year he's going to be lucky to get top tens. I don't think that would make him happier. And if winning isn't important anymore then why bother? He said he only wanted a one year deal and that Yates wanted more than one. Then he signs a 3 year deal. I just don't get it.
 
A big step down??

Ganassi owns the car in first place right now! Rudd and Marlin would have been a team of championship calibre.
 
Very True, But Ricky couldnt pass up the Incentive that Ford put in his pocket. But ya know what, maybe Ricky can Turn the Wood Bros around...ya never know.
 
Rudd played with the big boys,And lost,He should have taken the paycheck he had,And kept his jaws quiet,That commercial where he could not figure out who to thank was not far off.;)
 
Still am convinced it was the pull of Ford's $$ support and the draw in the garage combined with less driver appearances that led Rudd to the 21 team...

Still think with all that and Rudd's talent, they could be a contender next year. Looking foward to it! :)
 
HappyHour,You could be right,Rudd wants a hands on position,And he will get that respect at Woods. :)
 
HappyHour, I agree with you. Think the amount of time for appearances had a lot to do with his decisioin. I also agree with your first post that the word "retirement" and "one year" might have made for some very antsy moments. I also, if I read the article about this correctly, think that the Woods are making out better. Sounds like their sponsor committed to a new 3 year deal for Rudd and that Ford also has put some incentive money there for them which means, more money, better equipment. I hope!! Don't care who Rudd drives for, will continue to pull for him. I'm thinking he didn't make a mistake but time will tell. Won't expect miracles the first season, same as Sadler but will expect both drivers to show what they've got as time goes on. JMO
 
Silly season at it's best.......drivers shopping, teams shopping, sponsors shopping. All for the best deal.:) Sort of like those computer shows we go to during the summer......complete bedlum but lots of fun!!:) Everyone gets the best deal they can come up with........so who really cares?:D But, this year, I'm getting a jump on it (I think). Already have it in my mind: Sadler is 38, Rudd is 21:) Hate when I cheer the wrong driver along during the Daytona 500!!:(
 
Ganassi wouldn't give Rudd 3 mill plus half the purse.

or ?????

Ganassi told Rudd to get out of his office when Rudd complained about the Watkin's Glen/Jimmy Spencer thing.

Can a proven quality vet take the Woods back to the top? Hard saying but I think the Woods got the best they could get.

As to which is the better team overall, I think Ganassi is a force to be reckoned with while the Wood Brothers got a lot of catching up to do.
 
A lot is an understatement. The Bros are absoulutley horrible as of late. All I can hope is that Ricky can turn that team around, and that he wont end his career like DW and others have.
 
Originally posted by 71Fan

Ganassi told Rudd to get out of his office when Rudd complained about the Watkin's Glen/Jimmy Spencer thing.
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Well, according to Rudd, that conversation never took place. He claims never to have even seen Ganassi's office. I guess their negotiations took place on the golf course?
 
Originally posted by paul
A big step down??

Ganassi owns the car in first place right now!  Rudd and Marlin would have been a team of championship calibre.
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Marlin is in first place because Dodge has a distinct aero advantage this year. Nascar has been giving concessions to the other makes all year to level the field and will continue to do so. In fact if they keep the changes they made at Michigan, Marlin won't finish in the top five. By next year, for sure, their advantage will be gone and it will be back to horsepower. Paul, would you buy your buckets full from Ganassi or Yates? IMO, Rudd made a mistake by leaving Robert Yates. Would he have had decent car driving for Ganassi, yes. But not as good a chance at a championship as he would have had with Yates. With the Wood Brothers he is going to be lucky to make the top 15 at the end of next season.
 
Are you sure your....oh nevermind Abooja.
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Originally posted by abooja
Are you sure you're just 15, kimi? :uhmnotsur
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Yes, sometimes I do manage to put together an intellegent post. But other times I have what my b/f refers to as "blond moments".
 
I'll be glade to see the Wood Brothers Car back in victory lane again
 
Oh nufin, just tryin to get you wound up. Looks like it worked since you smacked me with a fish. Guess I'll just start keeping any compliments to myself since your going to be that way.
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Sorry, B.C. ...didn't realize that being flipped off was a compliment. :D
 
I thought the being flipped off in New York was kinda like saying "Good Morning" or "Have a good day". I was just trying to make you feel at home Miss Abooja.
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Rudd has done very little with some of the best equipment in WC (Robt. Yates). The Sears Point win this year was a 'gift'; inherited when the leader had major mechanical failure (rear end).

Rudd has had a nice WC cup career but he should have taken this opportunity to gracefully retire.

If you can't win in Yates' cars ....

Note: I used to pull for Rudd (from the RCR Piedmont #3 car to the Texaco #28). I was always hoping that he'd try a little harder or be a little more aggressive. I finally gave up on him a couple of years ago when he tried an ill-advised 'economy run' (with Yates' horsepower ?)

They say it's possible to tone down an over-aggressive driver but virtually impossible to get a passive driver to be more aggressive. I believe this to be true.
 
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