For Ganassi, Spencer release was tough choice

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- NASCAR Winston Cup team owner Chip Ganassi explained Friday that his decision to fire driver Jimmy Spencer was not an easy one.

	Chip Ganassi Credit: Autostock

"It's a difficult business sometimes being a car owner, because you're making decisions about people's lives and people's futures," Ganassi said. "I can tell you one thing, it's not as sexy and as glamorous as people think."

Ganassi previously won four straight championships in the CART Indy car series, and was well on his way to a possible Winston Cup crown until an injury ended Sterling Marlin's season.

But five days ago, Ganassi visited the dark side when he called Spencer to tell him he would be released at the end of the season.

The decision positioned the team owner as a soup bone in the midst of a pack of dingoes -- ride-hunting drivers and story-seeking media.

"I guess I've found out I'm one of few guys that has gotten rid of somebody without having somebody already in place to fill the spot," Ganassi said. "And I don't have somebody to fill the spot right away, as I stand here."

During Bud Pole Qualifying for Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500, Ganassi was atop his No. 40 Coors Light Dodge transporter, constantly on his cell phone or greeting a variety of visitors.

He said, by and large, his business concerned the weekend's race and the two teams he was trying to get into it -- Spencer in the 41 and Jamie McMurray substituting for Marlin in the 40. But the future of his No. 41 team wasn't far from his mind.

	Ganassi has not yet named a replacement driver for the No. 41 Dodge. Credit: Autostock

"It's hard to say," Ganassi said of his plans to pursue a veteran or a potential star. "You certainly have young guys out there in the Busch Series and the Truck Series that deserve a shot -- and at the same time you've got veterans that are a proven commodity, so it's a tough decision."

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series owner Bobby Hamilton, who currently drives for Andy Petree in the Winston Cup Series, has been suggested as one possible replacement.

But earlier in the week, Hamilton said he had not spoken to Ganassi since early in September, before McMurray was named to drive the 42 car. The two have not spoken this weekend, either.

"I have too much respect for him to do that. I am a car owner just like he is and I know what he is here to do -- tend to his race teams," Hamilton said. "I expect that we will be talking next Monday, though."

On the flip side of the coin, with Marlin and McMurray having become proven commodities, Ganassi could be seen as being in a position to experiment with the 41 car. He's said to be interested in Hamilton's Truck Series rising star, 20-year-old Ryan Hemphill, who scored his first two NASCAR Touring Late Model victories this season.

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"It's certainly not a throwaway seat -- Target's been with us about 11 or 12 years now (in CART) and we have to get somebody in that car that can do the job," Ganassi said, "and we're fortunate that we've got guys like Jamie and Sterling out there that can certainly attract good drivers.

"Obviously it helps a bit to have two guys like Andy Graves and Tony Glover with the team and running the place. We're just gonna have to wait and see."

From Spencer's perspective, the driver hinted Thursday that he might seek legal recourse to somehow compensate for the lost final year of his contract.

"In terms of Jimmy, I feel confident we're parting on good terms," Ganassi said.

"I consider Jimmy Spencer -- as I do all the guys that have driven for me -- a friend of mine.

"It's unfortunate that circumstances didn't end up that we could continue. It's not a good or bad thing and it has nothing to do with personal feelings. This is a business and I have a lot of respect for Jimmy Spencer."

Ganassi said he wasn't sure how it could have worked out better. Ironically, Spencer collaborated with crew chief Doug Randolph to qualify 10th Friday, their best effort in the last 27 races.

"Given the right set of circumstances, they have proven that they can do the job -- I mean the 41 team and the driver, no question," Ganassi said. "It's a difficult thing and this is a very difficult business.

"From the front of the field to the back of the field is about a breath away. Oftentimes you get yourself in a situation where it's just down to personalities and the only thing from the front to the back is a particular personality in a team -- not necessarily the driver.

"It's unfortunate that decisions like that have to be made, that aren't popular with every single person on the planet, but again this is the business we've chosen.

"But when we have a day like we did at Charlotte, with Jamie McMurray winning; or a season like we've had with Sterling, it's a great business to be in."