[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

You know, I have always thought that Rudd saw the handwriting on the wall in 1992 and took the opportunity to take Tide and open his own shop, rather than stay and play second fiddle to Jeffie-Pooh.

I think your right on that one.

[LSC9901]

While that may hold some truth I think you also have to look at it from another angle. I know not everyone agrees with this point of view but Ricky is now 50 years old. In his last three years of racing he could only manage a 21st or lower position but started all 36 races each year. I think even back in 93 when he was still under age 40 that the competition was getting tougher and younger and teams were providing better equipment to the young guns.

Now as far as getting out of HMS before they brain washed him, that was probably a good thing. For those that could maintain their own identity I believe they still have a good fan base. That can be a reason why Terry Labonte is still a crowd favorite even though he isn't driving. It would be nice to see Craven get another ride but I suppose he is pretty content right where he is. I think if Vickers can score some good finishes he could easily become the new poster boy for Toyota. In another 57 days we'll have all the answers.

Lets get ready to rumble and roar !!!

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

While that may hold some truth I think you also have to look at it from another angle. I know not everyone agrees with this point of view but Ricky is now 50 years old. In his last three years of racing he could only manage a 21st or lower position but started all 36 races each year. I think even back in 93 when he was still under age 40 that the competition was getting tougher and younger and teams were providing better equipment to the young guns.

Excellent point. I think Rudd was beginning to see that kids like Jeffie were the future of NASCAR (or so NASCAR hoped)and rather than stay and fight a losing battle, he went on to form his own [moderately successful] team and not have to babysit or mentor any of the new [i]wunderkinder[i]. I remember Ricky and Jeffie slamming each other multiple times in Jeff's freshman year. But then, in his first year Jeff bounced off a lot of other drivers and tore up a fair share of equipment.

Originally Posted by LSC9901

. I think if Vickers can score some good finishes he could easily become the new poster boy for Toyota. In another 57 days we'll have all the answers.

Lets get ready to rumble and roar !!!

I'd rather see Bill Davis Racing be the #1 Toyota team due to everything BDR gave up for Toyota, but I think Vickers will be Toyota's shining star. As much as I'd like to see Blaney be the main Toyota driver, they could do much worse than Vickers. (Like anyone from MWR or Mayfield... esssh!)

[lilsexy08]

Brian Vickers will not be the shining star in my opinion. I don't Toyota in the Cup series anyway, but Brian has only one 1 race so far as I can remember. I won't comment on who the shining star will be for Toyota.

Oh, just wanted to say I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

[LSC9901]

Now there is an opinion that will create a new thread. I will look up who all the Toyota drivers are going to be and we'll start a poll to see what the consensus is as far as who the "Shining Toyota Star" will be. I'll state for the record that I think Brian will be the star. When you put youth against some of the "mature" drivers I think the young talent will win out. This isn't golf where the older crowd is generally the better player ... yes I said generally. My perspective is that the guys that have been around the track a few times "GENERALLY" don't have the vim and vigor that the young guns do.

Either way I'll get the poll up with the next couple of days unless someone beats me to it.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Now there is an opinion that will create a new thread. I will look up who all the Toyota drivers are going to be and we'll start a poll to see what the consensus is as far as who the "Shining Toyota Star" will be. I'll state for the record that I think Brian will be the star. When you put youth against some of the "mature" drivers I think the young talent will win out. This isn't golf where the older crowd is generally the better player ... yes I said generally. My perspective is that the guys that have been around the track a few times "GENERALLY" don't have the vim and vigor that the young guns do.

Either way I'll get the poll up with the next couple of days unless someone beats me to it.

I don't look at it from a perspective of driver talent entirely. There is an old racing adage that those of you who have been personally involved in racing will second; "Money buys speed and speed gets you success."

The difference in the Cup drivers isn't as great as many would like to believe. For example, last season we had fourteen (I believe) different winners and another eight who could easily have won if the chips had fallen differently. (Yeah, I know; IF a frog had two-foot long legs it wouldn't bump its ass every time it hopped)

All that being said, I think Toyota's success will depend on how much money and technology they dump into which team. Right now I can't get a good handle on whether Toyota will repay BDR for all he's done to get Toyota going in Cup, or if they'll put their effort behind Red Bull because that sponsor is deeply invested in Toyota racing across F1, F3000, and who knows what other Series' they sponsor. It's going to be interesting to see who takes the Rice Cooker lead.

One thing I believe deep in the bottom of my cynical little heart, it won't be WMR. That team doesn't have the Red Bull money behind it. Even including MWR's "silent" (Don't we all wish THAT was true!) partner, DW, it doesn't have the long involvement that BDR has. Plus MWR lacks a lot in other areas; one driver with marginal talent (Mikey), one driver in a downward success spiral and who is there to secure a guaranteed starting spot for the team and to collect a paycheck (DJ), and a rookie who, unfortunately, could be permanently scared by the company he is keeping. (Ruetimann)

Steve. In addition to the above mentioned polls, how about some fearless predictions before January practices and before thing get going after the first of the year?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by lilsexy08

Brian Vickers will not be the shining star in my opinion. I don't Toyota in the Cup series anyway, but Brian has only one 1 race so far as I can remember. I won't comment on who the shining star will be for Toyota.

Oh, just wanted to say I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Why not comment? Speaking only for myself, I enjoy seeing the opinions of others. Your opinion is as valid as mine or any of the rest of us. Come on. Feint heart never filled a flush.

Thank you very much for the Christmas wish. I hope you and those you love have a very Happy new Year.

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Why not comment? Speaking only for myself, I enjoy seeing the opinions of others. Your opinion is as valid as mine or any of the rest of us. Come on. Feint heart never filled a flush.

Thank you very much for the Christmas wish. I hope you and those you love have a very Happy new Year.

Thanks Bob! Sometimes I say things on here and people take it the wrong way. When its just an opinion. I will send you a pvt e-mail unless people won't jump on my case! LOL! Everyone just kidding. Were all one big family here! So just messin. Thanks Bob for the well wishes!

LSC-Get those polls up and running! It would be good to have a pole for Toyota and for practice in Jan. too!

[LSC9901]

I'm a long standing believer in opinions and the respect of and for them. While I may not always agree I will always try to look at it from your point of view .... even if you are wrong.

Now back to the JJ sux thread !!!

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I'm a long standing believer in opinions and the respect of and for them. While I may not always agree I will always try to look at it from your point of view .... even if you are wrong.

Now back to the JJ sux thread !!!

Thanks LSC! The only reason I haven't burnt my new Nascar Illustrated magazine in the fire pit because the STEW is in the magazine! LOL! I was really close last night though! I had one to many beers! No hangover! Cool! But Jimmie Johnson has to go! I can't even shop at a Lowes during the racing season then I would be supporting the man! Can't do that! I know thats silly! But I'm a silly girl!

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by lilsexy08

Thanks LSC! The only reason I haven't burnt my new Nascar Illustrated magazine in the fire pit because the STEW is in the magazine! LOL! I was really close last night though! I had one to many beers! No hangover! Cool! But Jimmie Johnson has to go! I can't even shop at a Lowes during the racing season then I would be supporting the man! Can't do that! I know thats silly! But I'm a silly girl!

Don't want to irriate you but I dislike Home Depot for about the same reason you hate Lowes. He (Tony) is a great driver but I just don't care for his attitude and aggression.

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Don't want to irriate you but I dislike Home Depot for about the same reason you hate Lowes. He (Tony) is a great driver but I just don't care for his attitude and aggression.

Your not pushing my buttons LSC! LOL! I understand what your saying. To me though thats what makes him sexy! LOL! I like the bad boys!

[Quality88]

Jimmie Johnson SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LSC9901]

Come on "Q". You don't really mean that. Tell us what you really think about JJ.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Tell us what you really think about JJ.

I would tell you all what I think.... but then I would be ousted from the forum