 | | "Don't worry Mikey, I've done it, too." Credit: AP |
NASCAR.COM
June 1, 2006
02:43 PM EDT (18:43 GMT)
Guys, should NASCAR step in and ban the practice of "buying rides" like we saw last weekend with Michael Waltrip? Marty Smith: I think so. I agree with Larry Mac that NASCAR opened a big can of worms last year by agreeing to this type of deal. I think it cheapens the sport. If a guy isn't good enough to make the show and has no free passes, he should watch from the couch. Ryan Smithson: I am fine with it because Cope was obviously fine with it because that small team got a pile of money that they needed. These guys don't need policing. But I wonder what exactly Waltrip gained from it other than having a car his sponsors can view for 55 minutes. David Newton: What bothers me most is those guys that sell their rides work so hard to get into the field, then are willing to give up the spot for a buck. Another example of how money makes the world go around. Dave Rodman: It is part of the sport, has always been a part of the sport. I don't believe in over-legislating. And it doesn't change the fact that Ray McGlynn's team and Derrike qualified -- Mikey didn't. Move on. David Newton: Yeah, whatever happened to "earning'' your living? Dave Rodman: Every team, in my opinion, has three objectives at the start of a weekend, in 2006: 1) Owner Points, 2) Driver Points, 3) Sponsor exposure. Too bad Michael could not achieve the biggest priority. Ryan Smithson: Waltrip is in deep, deep trouble because he has got to get in the top 35 for next year. This will be interesting to watch. Dave Rodman: It will be painful to watch. Unless their new crew chief makes a big impact, this could happen three or four more times this season -- minimum -- because I don't see them getting back into the top 35 any time soon. Marty Smith: I don't knock either side, though. McGlynn and Cope needed some loot, and Waltrip needed to appease NAPA. Both sides win. But I don't think the sport wins. David Newton: It doesn't make you feel so sorry for the guys selling their spots when you see something like that. Or maybe it should because they feel the need to sell.  |  | | Look close enough, and you can see the 74 still on the side. But you won't see any mention of Dodge anywhere. Credit: AP |
| |  | LEASING AT LOWE'S | Michael Waltrip made a deal with Derrike Cope to drive his car for the Coca-Cola 600.
Without question, Michael Waltrip says the reason he purchased Derrike Cope's car was because of NAPA.
We asked you what you thought about Michael Waltrip leasing Derrike Cope's car for the Coca-Cola 600. And here's a sample of what you had to say ...
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Marty Smith: I'm impressed with the infrastructure Waltrip has put together. Ty Norris, former DEI executive, and Bob Brannan, formerly Jeff Gordon's business manager. Solid. Ryan Smithson: Marty, wasn't it you that wrote that McGlynn was trying to make the year with $1 million or so, and Waltrip probably paid them a good fraction of that for their one race? Marty Smith: Nope. Wasn't me Smithson. I wrote that the penalty NASCAR levied against them broke the bank. Ryan Smithson: Marty, I recall it now, you wrote about Cope's fine earlier this year. The $50,000 that they did not have. David Newton: NAPA could have been a hard-case and not counted this as one of the races made and forced Waltrip to be in the money hole deeper, but I'm told that didn't happen. Dave Rodman: Can you imagine Jerry Jones paying to get the Cowboys into the Super Bowl after the Steelers earned the berth? Same thing. So how outrageous does that make the idea? David Newton: Yes, Jerry would try that if possible, Rodman. Fortunately, no other sport allows such things. Marty Smith: Rodman, didn't you just say it's part of the sport, move on? Dave Rodman: Yeah -- but that's how stupid it is. And the fact that we just shrug proves this sport has a ways to go, I think. Marty Smith: Agreed. Again, it cheapens the sport to a degree. Ryan Smithson: Rodman has done an about-face on this issue. Marty Smith: Yep. In three minutes' time. Dave Rodman: Or again, proves this is a different sport. David Newton: He was paid to change his mind, sources said. Ryan Smithson: Marty, I found Cope's quote: "I had more [sponsorship] money the year I won Daytona than we're working with now," Cope said. Dave Rodman: Apples and oranges boys. Ryan Smithson: So that team has less than $700,000 to work with. Marty Smith: Yep. He had like 3 million then, and $700,000 or so now. Ryan Smithson: They have to take Waltrip's money. I'd have held out for $500,000. Dave Rodman: Smithson the financier. What's your rate on a loan these days, Shylock? Marty Smith: Wonder what he had to pay them? David Newton: Never heard a dollar figure, but was told it was a pretty penny. Ryan Smithson: I'd say anywhere from $150,000 to $250,000. Whatever twice the purse would be. David Newton: That sounds reasonable. Marty Smith: Well, maybe that means Cope will have an opportunity to attempt a few more starts. David Newton: I think that's what Michael said, Marty. Dave Rodman: Depending on who was talking, that could be a pretty wide range of figures. Ryan Smithson: And maybe he can get a fresh motor. David Newton: He said this would help Cope go to Dover, Pocono and Michigan. Marty Smith: There you go. Ryan Smithson: I still have a bad taste in my mouth over Darrell Waltrip buying out Carl Long in 2000. Dave Rodman: Bang down a few more Budweisers and get over that, already. Marty Smith: Wonder who required the champion's provisional that day? David Newton: I still have a bad taste in my mouth from that food they served us Sunday at the track. Ryan Smithson: Let me go look. Dave Rodman: Stat boy? Marty Smith: He's on it, Wormus. I will guess Bill Elliott. Heck I don't know. That was back when Awesome owned his own team. Ryan Smithson: Can't find it, let me dig some more. Marty Smith: What race was it? What race was it Smithson? Ryan Smithson: Weird. Elliott qualified third that night. Marty Smith: So which race, Ryan? Ryan Smithson: And Labonte took a regular provisional. Bliss started last. Marty Smith: Dude, which race?! Ryan Smithson: It was the 2000 World 600, Marty. David Newton: Move on. I've got a wife who has to have a root canal. Should NASCAR allow its drivers to drive injured? Ryan Smithson: In Tony's case, absolutely. No harm in him going out there and running until the first caution at all. He isn't badly hurt. David Newton: Agreed, but if his injury at all hampers his ability to stay out of trouble he should step aside. Marty Smith: Excluding head injuries, if they're tough enough, heck yeah. Mark Martin raced a whole year half-crippled with back pain. Big E sat on the pole at The Glen with a broken sternum. Ricky Rudd taped his eyeballs open. Dave Rodman: Tough territory to get into but if they can pass a medical exam, bring it on. That would be a tough parameter to set. Ryan Smithson: Tony is getting out of the car to make sure the injury heals faster, not because he couldn't do it. Marty, I remember that Martin finished 17th in the 1998 Pepsi 400 (I think) while driving with one arm. David Newton: The problem is, will Tony be willing to get out of the car for the sake of his health? Marty Smith: I doubt it. I think Smoke will run the whole thing. David Newton: Burton was talking about how he drove a race with a broken leg, and nobody knew it but him. Ryan Smithson: No, he'll get out. They won't waste Rudd's time. Dave Rodman: Racers are a different breed and racing is a different sport. If you can drive, you should be allowed to drive. And pay the consequences. David Newton: I agree with Marty. They'll have to drag Stewart out. But what if the consequences costs somebody else, Rodman? Ryan Smithson: Those guys at Gibbs have men in their shop that will have a football-style game plan. Heck, Rudd might even get a top-10 for them. Dave Rodman: This is the perfect case of the Chase insanity versus the racer's mentality. David Newton: The problem with injuries and drivers, if you believe Burton, is they'll lie about how hurt they are to get in the car. |  | | Do these guys resemble Wally Pipp? Credit: CIA Stock Photo |
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Ryan Smithson: Rodman, without the Chase, Stewart would be more likely to stay in the car. Dave Rodman: You could make a very compelling argument that Stewart has no need whatsoever, from a points standpoint, to run this race. All he has to do is start. David Newton: I don't think it'll be about points for Stewart. It'll be about pride. Marty Smith: Can't disagree there, Rodman. But all of these guys have Wally Pipp syndrome. Smoke is the man, and of course he'd never ever get replaced, but the last thing he wants to do is watch. Ryan Smithson: Marty, no one knows who Wally Pipp is. Hey Rodman, who is Wally Pipp? That is what I thought. You're such a slow Googler. David Newton: He drives the BAM car, right? Dave Rodman: Smithson, you need to get off the computer some. If he is some baseball geek in some movie, who cares about that? Ryan Smithson: Marty knew who he was too! Give me a break. Dave Rodman: Do a poll on that ... David Newton: Maybe we should make bracelets. What Would Wally Do? Marty Smith: I know about him because my high school football coach always gave us the Wally Pipp speech. You may not feel good, but unless it's absolutely necessary don't come out. You may never see the field again. Ryan Smithson: Oh lord. He gave you that in HIGH SCHOOL? Marty Smith: Absolutely. It's a great motivator because it's true. Ryan Smithson: That isn't right man. This is not the New York Yankees. Marty Smith: See: Tom Brady. Predictions for Dover? Dave Rodman: Sanford Pipp. According to the Car of Tomorrow regs, Dover is a short track. Instantly approved. Moves up from short tracks. Wins in debut. Marty Smith: Was that Swahili man? |  | | Will Kasey Kahne's crew smother him again this weekend? Credit: Autostock |
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| Dover Predictions |
| Smacker |
Prediction |
| MartDawg |
Kasey Kahne |
| Newt |
Jimmie Johnson |
| Rodman |
Ryan Newman |
| Ryan |
Kyle Busch |
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Ryan Smithson: Last week, I said, "I wonder if Riggs can put together 400 good laps." Report: He didn't. David Newton: I'd say watch out for Biffle. He's got three straight top-10s and he won there a year ago. But I'm going with Jimmie Johnson. That crew is dialed in. Marty Smith: Biffle gives Kahne a run for the money, but Kahne wins again. David Newton: Hey, Ryan. Riggs put in 400 good laps. It was a bad pit stop that killed him. Ryan Smithson: Kyle Busch wins. And Rodman, you're insane. Newt, a pit stop is part of your lap, bud. David Newton: I'm not counting it. Dave Rodman: I wish I could say Ryan Newman was due to break through, and this would be it. And Smithson, I am a pale image of insanity next to you. Marty Smith: In the words of Dale Jr: Alright, let's eat. The opinions expressed are solely of the writers. | 
