Will There Be A Rookie Of The Year In 2005?

[TonyB]

Ford Racing

In speaking with the Raybestos Rookie of the year communications manager, James B. White, www.teamfordracing.com learned that no qualified driver is on the horizon for 2005 Cup rookie honors, but beyond that he wasn't sure what might be in the cards for 2005 and his program. The issue came to light in Hamilton's strong suggestion at Richmond International Raceway that he and Edwards were going to be allowed to run for ROTY honors, despite lacking qualified status. NASCAR's deal with Raybestos to administer the Rookie of the Year program runs several more years. It would be highly irregular for NASCAR's premier series to be void of eligible Rookie of the Year contestants, and obviously problematic for Raybestos, which has purchased the right to promote them. Raybestos, according to motto, the best in brakes, handles ROTY programs for NASCAR's top-three touring division.

 

[TonyB]

From That's Racin'

NASCAR vice president of corporate communications Jim Hunter said Friday the sanctioning body will review the requirements for its rookie of the year programs at the end of the season, as it does every year.

There has been speculation in recent weeks NASCAR would find a way to get Carl Edwards and Bobby Hamilton Jr. eligible to run for Nextel Cup rookie honors next season, even though Hamilton has, and Edwards will likely, surpass the seven-race maximum to remain eligible for the program.


If Edwards and/or Hamilton Jr. are ineligible, there are currently no other candidates for rookie of the year for the 2005 season in Cup.


Hunter said the review of the requirements does not mean a change. “We always make sure the program is working as it was intended to do so for all three series,” he said.

 

[EatMorePossum]

Translation: If no one eligible emerges, we'll change the rules midstream like we always do anyway. Heed what we do, not what we say.

 

[majestyx]

Originally posted by EatMorePossum@Sep 17 2004, 11:00 AM
Translation: If no one eligible emerges, we'll change the rules midstream like we always do anyway. Heed what we do, not what we say.

So true, so true...............

 

[esorlxaw]

why would hamilton jr strongly suggest that they start making changes...does he just want to be the second place roty? Edwards is a dead lock...........