What should Mikey do?

buckaroo

buckaroo

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Well, another qualifying session has come and gone and the same results have come in for Mikey...failing to make the race. He doesn't have a choice about the rules, so him and his fans crying about the top 35 rule won't make any difference. He knew this going into this season and knew that he faced an uphill battle. He's got two cars that have made the majority of the races with one of them making all of them. But that might come to a halt after today's race if DJ doesn't move up in the points.

I can't imagine what is going through Mikey's mind at this point, but I'm sure he is trying his best. I'm wondering if in the future he doesn't push that car a bit too hard and end up wrecking just to try and make the field. Hope that doesn't happen, but if it does, it does.

What do you think he should do now? I wonder if at this point, if putting another driver in his seat would make a difference. He is so far behind now in points that he could never make the top 35 for the rest of the year and he needs to get that car into the race. They obviously are able to get the job done because of what Ruetimann has shown. And by the way, David is the youngest of the drivers at MWR and probably isn't afraid of anything yet, so he just might put that car a bit closer to the edge than either DJ or Mikey. Maybe another young stud could do the same in the 55 car.
 
buck, I've been doing some thinking about this, also. Other than putting someone else in the car, I'm at a loss at what the problem and it's solution should be.

Of course, not having a CC since the fiasco at Daytona has to have been a tremendous handicap.
 
MWR: Jarrett is 36th, 8 starts. Reutimann is 43rd, 5 starts.
Red Bull: Vickers is 41st, 4 starts. A.J. Allmendinger is 50th, 2 starts.
Bill Davis: Blaney is 38th, 8 starts. Jeremy Mayfield is 49th, 2 starts.

At least they're all together to keep each other company.
But, I think you have to look at where they finished in their starts. Toyo is just not very good this year and the qualifying times between all the teams is just real close. Maybe a full time COT helps but I don't think anyone told them it would be easy.
 
Michael was 20th fastest this weekend.

But he got bumped by others with owners points and provisionals.

24 positions?

Seems like it doesn't matter if he gets the pole. He can still be bumped back like it happened this weekend. Hardly seems fair to me.

If I were NAPA, Toyota, and MWR, I would be hammering away at NASCAR for some changes in the quailfying rules.

If a driver is 20th fastest and can't make the race because he gets bumped back by provisionals, why bother showing up for the rest of the year?

The system is frigged up.
 
But this is the system that Toyo knew they'd be challenged with before the season started. It doesn't seem fair but should NASCAR change the rules because Toyota is finding it hard to make the race?
Which Toyo driver is head and shoulders above those whom they would have replaced? Harvick? Bowyer?
Where would Mikey have to qualify to make the race?
Schrader didn't make the race. Where's all the crying for him? I like him better anyway. Next week if Riggs doesn't make the race who's going to take up his banner and cry about the system not being fair?
We have more than 43 teams trying to make the race. Someone is going home. Now moving all of the teams not locked in to qualifying at the same time does make sense. Rather than what they have now. But that is the only change I'd make.
 
barelypure said:
But this is the system that Toyo knew they'd be challenged with before the season started. It doesn't seem fair but should NASCAR change the rules because Toyota is finding it hard to make the race?
Which Toyo driver is head and shoulders above those whom they would have replaced? Harvick? Bowyer?
Where would Mikey have to qualify to make the race?
Schrader didn't make the race. Where's all the crying for him? I like him better anyway. Next week if Riggs doesn't make the race who's going to take up his banner and cry about the system not being fair?
We have more than 43 teams trying to make the race. Someone is going home. Now moving all of the teams not locked in to qualifying at the same time does make sense. Rather than what they have now. But that is the only change I'd make.
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I think most people are upset becouse fastest cars didn't make the race! If you'd stop with the Mikey bashing and look at the over all fairness of the rules you'd think different.
 
Fair is fair and rules are rules. As stated, Mikey and Toyota knew the rules when they began their effort. And, if Mikey was the fastest, he would make the race and start from the pole.
 
I don't think I'm bashing Mikey or even Toyota. They knew the rules coming in. They just think it'd be so hard for them to qualify. I think that's 1 reason they lured Jarrett away, to have his provisionals.
This isn't something NASCAR just came up with this year to keep Mikey or Toyota out. In the past we just didn't have this many cars trying to make the field. And, I didn't see peeps getting bent out of shape when Morgan or Shelmerdine didn't make a race. And, when they did they were called field fillers, remember?
 
BP, NASCAR did change one rule after Jarrett was wooed to MWR and that is the past champs provisional. In the past, that prov was unlimited, but after watching a new team use Terry Labonte to make the race until that team was clearly in the top 35 before changing drivers, NASCAR felt that MWR was only going after DJ for that one reason and changed it. DJ complained early on saying that his situation was different than that of Labonte's because Terry was only a temporary driver, whereas DJ seat was permenant.
 
As stated Toyota knew berfore the season started that they would run into qualifying issues. That being said look at where all the Toyota drivers are, there is clearly an underlying problem with their cars, and don't tell me it is their drivers. That doesn't fly with me and isn't a valid argument, it is the program in general. I believe it is an aero issue and has been all season. The engine program is strong, but something is amiss, whether it be a downforce issue or just that the bodies need tweaking, new nose? Anyway getting to Mikey.....i think he should take Reutiman out of the 00 and park that car, put some of the sponsorship from that ride on DJs' and his own car. Mikey made the mistake of starting out with 3 cars rather than 2. Concentrate your efforts on two , the focus will be better and i believe the 55 and DJ will have a much better chance of making races.
 
Park his best car? Why?

Toyota will be the best team in Nascar, just wait until they figure it out.
 
buckaroo said:
BP, NASCAR did change one rule after Jarrett was wooed to MWR and that is the past champs provisional. In the past, that prov was unlimited, but after watching a new team use Terry Labonte to make the race until that team was clearly in the top 35 before changing drivers, NASCAR felt that MWR was only going after DJ for that one reason and changed it. DJ complained early on saying that his situation was different than that of Labonte's because Terry was only a temporary driver, whereas DJ seat was permenant.
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Actually that rule didnt change this year...that rule changed a few years ago when MW's brother...good ole DW was using the rule week in and week out....nascar changed the rule the following year.

This rule has been in place for a quite a while now.
 
fun_in_my_z said:
Park his best car? Why?

Toyota will be the best team in Nascar, just wait until they figure it out.
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well they arent going to be with the teams they have now.

Many people said before Daytona that Toyota really didnt have a strong team, well thats been proven so far.

If they dont turn the tide soon, they are going to face the same problems next year....meaning they are going to go to Daytona outside the top 35.

Toyota jumped into this thing way too quick and failed to pick quality teams.

They should be very embarrassed with the performance of its teams.
 
Reading all of this got me to thinking --- I know, its dangerous at my age. LOL

But, what if, when it became official that Toyota was coming in, the other teams just got to working a bit harder --- stepped up the program and made it more difficult for Toyota?

And I don't see it as one problem for Toyota --- I see it as a myriad of small things that add up. They had success in trucks, but those are a bit more forgiving aero-wise. Plus, the engine package is different.
 
Just step back and think about it. I'd almost bet (be damned if I am going to go and research this one) but the difference between the pole and going home is closer then ever. Just being off by a little bit used to make you a 20th-30th place car. Just being off now means you go home. Mikey should tough it out. He has to. He has too much time and money invested into this. I am afraid that DJ too will miss the race this Saturday but that does not mean I am going to lose faith in what might be down the road for this organization.
 
At least it's giving him plenty of time to manage his investments.

Toyota, or no Toyota ... Mikey wasn't winning any races when he left DEI and started his own team running Chevy. If he was still running Chevy this year, he'd still be in the ****s. If Toyota wants to run with the big boys, they simply need to match Dodge, Chevy and Ford .... supply more than one company. All of the MW crews are basically following the same pattern and not getting the job done. They're trying on a Toyota to do what worked on a Chevy.


My big question is what's NAPA's thoughts on blowing sponsorship money and time on a car that's not making it to TV, after not seeing more than the back of the pack last year.
 
Then the question needs to be, what's Mikey gonna do when NAPA heads out?

And I simply gotta wonder ... how far did the guy who put "I can't drive 55" into Mikey's advertising have to run to get away from the laughing. Sorry Mikey, but you can't drive the 55 today.
 
TexasRaceLady said:
Reading all of this got me to thinking --- I know, its dangerous at my age. LOL

But, what if, when it became official that Toyota was coming in, the other teams just got to working a bit harder --- stepped up the program and made it more difficult for Toyota?

And I don't see it as one problem for Toyota --- I see it as a myriad of small things that add up. They had success in trucks, but those are a bit more forgiving aero-wise. Plus, the engine package is different.
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Bingo you win the Prize:einstein:
 
This Buds For Me said:
Actually that rule didnt change this year...that rule changed a few years ago when MW's brother...good ole DW was using the rule week in and week out....nascar changed the rule the following year. This rule has been in place for a quite a while now.
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Well, I guess that there are a lot of people who disagree with you, but as with NASCAR, anything goes. I definately remember DJ talking about the change and how it could affect him and after reading your reply, I thought I'd check to see any news on this. According to an article on ESPN http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2740483 dated January 31st, this year, they are calling this the Dale Jarrett rule. But of course, we all know that NASCAR can change their minds at any time. Oh, and one more source... http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/hea...past.champ.provisional.limit/index.html?imw=Y
 
Toyata

It does make me wonder why Toyota didn't try to get more experienced teams to switch to there cars like Dodge did when they returned to racing. Starting a new car is hard enough, but a new team and a new car.It also makes me wonder if the other three auto makers didn't step up to the plate a little more to prevent that from happening and Toyota had to settle for what they got. If you look at the auto sales who has the most to lose from Toyotas coming to Nascar? They are tearing the top 3 auto makers up where it really counts the auto dealers. Isn't that what it's really all about anyway?
 
dirtguru said:
It does make me wonder why Toyota didn't try to get more experienced teams to switch to there cars like Dodge did when they returned to racing. Starting a new car is hard enough, but a new team and a new car.It also makes me wonder if the other three auto makers didn't step up to the plate a little more to prevent that from happening and Toyota had to settle for what they got. If you look at the auto sales who has the most to lose from Toyotas coming to Nascar? They are tearing the top 3 auto makers up where it really counts the auto dealers. Isn't that what it's really all about anyway?
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Seriously, just what "more experienced" team were they supposed to get? Hendrick? No. RCR? No. Roush? Hell no. Ginn? No because of their affiliation with Hendrick. Same goes for HAAS CNC. RYR? The 88 is worse off this year then ever. That leaves you with the Dodge teams which are certainly not lighting the world on fire.
 
Teams

Do you really think that some of those teams wouldn't change if the $$'s were right? Top teams have changed before not for loyality but for the money. Thats what it really boils down to, these guys are businessmen as much as they are racers.
 
And these smart business men know you do not try to fix what is not broken.
 
A world in which the big established teams are dominating the series. In the end that gets you top money from sponsors, the best drivers, championship contending teams. Until Chevy, Ford, or Dodge, pull the plug on support and stop funding these teams it would be a pipe dream to think that Toyota could woo them away from their current establishments. Do you not think that Toyota would have tried that had they known all they had to do was buy their way in?
 
Excuse me

Excuse me, I didn't know I was talking to such a genius. LOL. I see no need to continue this conversation with you, just keep living in your fantasy world with the Easter bunny, santa and the sand man.
 
Not sure where that came from. It's called an opinion. I provided one for each of your responses however given your last post obviously for some strange reason you've taken an odd way out of disagreeing with me. My last question still stands. Do you not think that Toyota would have gone after more established teams if all it took was some extra dollars? I mean they obviously have it lying around if they paid DJ all of the millions he supposedly took to join MWR.
 
Well I had someone who didn't like the avatar. They thought it too risque. Me I don't care. It's just something to fill a spot. I went out and got a bunch so maybe I'll change more often.
And, it's not necessarily pointed at anyone in particular.
Well, OK, that's a lie...
 
barelypure said:
Well I had someone who didn't like the avatar. They thought it too risque. Me I don't care. It's just something to fill a spot. I went out and got a bunch so maybe I'll change more often.
And, it's not necessarily pointed at anyone in particular.
Well, OK, that's a lie...
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i have seen alot more skin on the beach than your old avatar
 
Since I absolutely detest Toyotas, I think it's awesome that he is in such a pickle. I'll be real happy if all the "walking commercials" cars miss the race this weekend. It will be real sweet to see him lose his sponsor(s), which at this rate won't be long in coming. Frankly, I can't see for the life of me what Napa, UPS and the other two were thinking anyway. If you look at the driver lineup MWR has compiled, it oozes of not making the field. To me the funniest thing above all else is that the "walking commercial" has to at least make a race just to climb out of the negative hole in points and here we are 9 races into the season. Has driver ever finished the season owing points because that is a real possibility here. Man would I ever get a huge kick out of that. :beerbang: :beerbang: :beerbang:
 
They need better drivers. Waltrip sucks. The only reason he ever made it to the big leagues was because he shares the same last name as Darrell.
 
barelypure said:
Well I had someone who didn't like the avatar. They thought it too risque. Me I don't care. It's just something to fill a spot. I went out and got a bunch so maybe I'll change more often.
And, it's not necessarily pointed at anyone in particular.
Well, OK, that's a lie...
Click to expand...

Hey Bp I will share my Jeff Gordon Avatar. LOL
 
kat.. send me some too. lol

BP You really didn't have to change your av. I liked it. had me me wiggling my head side to side too..LOL
 
TKay said:
Since I absolutely detest Toyotas, I think it's awesome that he is in such a pickle. I'll be real happy if all the "walking commercials" cars miss the race this weekend. It will be real sweet to see him lose his sponsor(s), which at this rate won't be long in coming. Frankly, I can't see for the life of me what Napa, UPS and the other two were thinking anyway. If you look at the driver lineup MWR has compiled, it oozes of not making the field. To me the funniest thing above all else is that the "walking commercial" has to at least make a race just to climb out of the negative hole in points and here we are 9 races into the season. Has driver ever finished the season owing points because that is a real possibility here. Man would I ever get a huge kick out of that. :beerbang: :beerbang: :beerbang:
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Drivers huh...still think that is the major problem? If you put Jeffy or Johnson in a Toyota any Toyota they wouldn't do any better. Ok put them in a Dodge too because they are almost as bad now. Toyota not making races has many fans like you happy as hell, but it also shows your truly don't know what is going on.:D
 
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