Evernham stable struggles with Daytona on horizon

A lot of guys in the garage like to give me a hard time about how poorly the New York Yankees are playing this season. I am a die-hard Yankee fan. Always have been. Always will be.

When I was a kid, the Yankees were a terrible franchise. They rarely won. Eight guys from the neighborhood and our dog Duke could have beat them. Duke wasn't much of a hitter but man could he play a mean centerfield. I grew up about 12 miles from New York City, if you're a good swimmer; 45 miles if want to take the scenic route.

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I grew up not far from team owner Ray Evernham. We went to different schools and did not know each other back them. As I recall our high school football team always kicked his team in the butt. He seems to remember it the other way around. Oh, well, someday I'll look it up so he won't have to.

I have known Ray for many years. We've had a few disagreements through those years. He and I probably remember those differently, too. But he has always been honest and helpful. He's not great at Karaoke, but, then, neither am I.

I like Ray. I like the Yankees. They are both sailing on the same ship right now, and that ship is taking on water. I truly believe the Yankees will turn it around and make a run. Maybe it's just that I want to believe that. I want to believe Evernham Motorsports will turn it around and make a run, too. But I am not as sure about that.

I had a short conversation with Ray in the garage Sunday morning at New Hampshire. When I have questions about certain topics or issues in the sport there are people you respect that will discuss those things with you. The insight from inside the garage can be eye opening.

I didn't stop Ray to discuss his teams, but it did come up near the end of our talk. I could see it in his face. Disappointment. Disgust. Almost embarrassed. My words, not his. Not embarrassed about effort, but by results. Or lack of results. It was race morning; Scott Riggs was not in the race. He had failed to qualify for the second consecutive race. But it was more than that.

I spoke with Ray in the garage at Darlington in May. The circumstances were similar. Riggs had missed the race. All three teams were struggling. Then we did talk about his teams. Obviously, if he knew what was wrong it wouldn't be wrong.

"I can't be car owner and crew chief at the same time," he told me in May. "I can't be everywhere and do everything. You have to be able to put people in place and hope you've done the right thing and they can do the job."

That was in May. Things have not gotten much better.

Sunday morning at New Hampshire when we talked about his organization he sounded like a car owner who wants to be a crew chief. Again.

"I've got to get back in there and figure out what is going on and why we aren't better," he said. Then, off he went into the hauler. I was not sure exactly what he meant, but it sure sounded to me like he was one step closer to putting on another hat.

Tuesday afternoon my computer made that little noise announcing the e-mail fairy had paid another visit. When I clicked over and saw the subject I thought I knew what the new hat was going to be: "Evernham Motorsports announces Team Director Change." It was two paragraphs, nine lines. Josh Browne out as team director of for Elliott Sadler, Scott McDougall in -- on an interim basis. He had been team director for the Truck and ARCA effort at Evernham.

"As we look to make vital improvements across our entire program, we are reviewing the allocation of personnel and resources within the organization. Josh is better suited to help the organization as a whole from an engineering perspective and our efforts in that area," said Ray Evernham, team owner and CEO. "I commend Josh for his decision and being a team player."

That's right from the release, race fans.

Sounds like George Steinbrenner giving a vote of confidence to Billy Martin.

The numbers for Evernham Motorsports this year are dreadful. Sadler is 22nd in driver points, Kasey Kahne is 26th and Scott Riggs is 37th and has missed three of the 17 races. When I was offered the opportunity to write this weekly column I made it clear I was not going to "rip" someone every week. I was going to introduce you to people, be optimistic, find the positive side of a bleak situation. Now, talk about a challenge. Well, let's try. (Continued)