[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

As in the past Bob, I believe we think with one brain. That was meant to be a good statement, although others may feel totally different.

I'm sure everyone will agree that '07 will be a rebuilding year for RYR. They may have a longer vision of what will be taking place in the future and Ricky is just filling a void at this time. Like many others I'd love to be wrong but I agree with Bob that being in the top 35 will be a success for Ricky and a top 15 finish for the year would be tremendous for RYR.

Ricky ... please prove me wrong.

It looks as though there are two distinct ways to look at RYR and 2007; from the perspective of a dreamer and from that of a realist. Colour me realist.

You know, LSC, I think the way to deal with our love of NASCAR, our dislike of NA$CAR, the trials of RCR and RYR, Hendrick, Roush, DW, etc., etc. is to have a frontal labotomy.

I mean, with a little help from a scalpel, a cranial saw and some surgical probes and we could all be Brian France's concept of the perfect NA$CAR fan. We would lose all our cynicism and oppostion toward this new NASCAR, we could stare vacantly at Brian's cookie-cutter tracks, cookie-cutter drivers and the lack of real competition, with no negative emotion whatsoever. The only down side would be we'd have to have someone ocassionally wipe the drool from our chins but I'm sure Brian would overlook that small inconvience.

[Quality88]

It seems that no one knows the number Rudd will be driving, and how long he will be driving for.... I hope it's the 28 and it's for a while. Well in two weeks when Daytona testin starts we'll find out.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Quality88

It seems that no one knows the number Rudd will be driving, and how long he will be driving for.... I hope it's the 28 and it's for a while. Well in two weeks when Daytona testin starts we'll find out.

My bet is that it's a one year contract with an option. If Ricky stays around I hope that when he does pull the plug he goes out with class and dignity, not like DW and Richard did, and Morgan Shepherd is doing.

AS far as the #28, that has no importance for me, personally. Actually I remember Ricky more in the #10 (his team) or #15 (Bud Moore) much more than I think of him in a #28. That number I automatically associate with Buddy Baker, Cale Yarbrough and Davey Allison in Harry Ranier's cars.

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

As in the past Bob, I believe we think with one brain. That was meant to be a good statement, although others may feel totally different.

My general feeling about drivers who are in their late 40's plus, is that their peak has passed. Now keep in mind that "I" feel that is the way it is, as a general rule. I'm sure there are cases that can be cited that would prove me completely wrong. My examples would be Bill Elliott. The guy is a very popular driver with all the right stuff, but the reactions are gone. Years ago he broke his wrist in a race and from that point on he was never really competetive. Rusty left at least a year to late. Richard Petty who is the modern eras most winning driver, stayed waaaaay to long. I think we are now on an upswing of younger drivers who are well conditioned and have a desire that far out weighs that of the likes of Ricky Rudd. None of that makes Ricky a bad person or even a disliked driver but if you wee going to run a 26.2 mile marathon would you rather be 50, inactive at your game for a year or would you rather be 31, in great shape and coming off a year of activity in your chosen sport ???

I'm sure everyone will agree that '07 will be a rebuilding year for RYR. They may have a longer vision of what will be taking place in the future and Ricky is just filling a void at this time. Like many others I'd love to be wrong but I agree with Bob that being in the top 35 will be a success for Ricky and a top 15 finish for the year would be tremendous for RYR.

Ricky ... please prove me wrong.

Age is nothing but a number. If you got the energy and heart you can do anything. I know a man who has more energy my age and he is 50.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by lilsexy08

Age is nothing but a number. If you got the energy and heart you can do anything. I know a man who has more energy my age and he is 50.

Bob .... do me a favor and tell this sweet gal how much we'd like to be 50 again !!!!!

I will proudly state that I am full of urine & vinegar. After a little prodding by my son and a couple of his friends they coaxed me into running a leg in a marathon (26.2 miles). This coming year I will run an even longer leg of the race. We won't win but it feels great at my young age to even be able to do it when so many others are sleeping in their lazy boys.

RYR has a few years on it but hopefully they will be returning this year with as much energy as it takes to get a win or two.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by lilsexy08

Age is nothing but a number. If you got the energy and heart you can do anything. I know a man who has more energy my age and he is 50.

You have to watch these fifty-year old kids! Damn whipper-snappers! He's not even close to the age that when he goes swimming he wears Depends under his speedos!

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

You have to watch these fifty-year old kids! Damn whipper-snappers! He's not even close to the age that when he goes swimming he wears Depends under his speedos!

Bob you are so cool! That is a funny quote! I couldn't see him in speedos though! LOL! Beer belly!

[imalilracey]

And everyone thinks "LIGHTENING ONLY STRIKES ONCE". Not for a Virginian with the last name "RUDD".

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by imalilracey

And everyone thinks "LIGHTENING ONLY STRIKES ONCE". Not for a Virginian with the last name "RUDD".

I sincerely hope that you're right, Racey.

First of all, for Ricky's sake. He's got the talent and the desire. Add to that, he's not wishy-washy and speaks his mind and tells the media, and NASCAR, what he believes.

Secondly, I fear that this year is RYR's very last chance. Some years ago Robert tried to step away and delegate his authority to some who weren't ready for the responsibility. It cost him three drivers (Rudd, Jarrett and Sadler) the currently best crew chief in the business, Todd Parrott, and two sponsors (Texaco and UPS).

Rudd is knowledgeable on set ups and knows what it takes to put competitive cars on the tracks NASCAR visits. He brings thirty years of NASCAR experience, and will be able to comminicate this knowledge to both teams. As good as Gilliland is, he's nowhere near this level.

I see Ricky as a tourniquet being used to stem arterial bleeding. Sometimes the limb can be saved and sometimes amputation is required. I hope, for RYR's and for the RYR fan's sake, the limb remains intact.

[lilsexy08]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I sincerely hope that you're right, Racey.

First of all, for Ricky's sake. He's got the talent and the desire. Add to that, he's not wishy-washy and speaks his mind and tells the media, and NASCAR, what he believes.

Secondly, I fear that this year is RYR's very last chance. Some years ago Robert tried to step away and delegate his authority to some who weren't ready for the responsibility. It cost him three drivers (Rudd, Jarrett and Sadler) the currently best crew chief in the business, Todd Parrott, and two sponsors (Texaco and UPS).

Rudd is knowledgeable on set ups and knows what it takes to put competitive cars on the tracks NASCAR visits. He brings thirty years of NASCAR experience, and will be able to comminicate this knowledge to both teams. As good as Gilliland is, he's nowhere near this level.

I see Ricky as a tourniquet being used to stem arterial bleeding. Sometimes the limb can be saved and sometimes amputation is required. I hope, for RYR's and for the RYR fan's sake, the limb remains intact.

Bob strange comparison! I like that though. I used to draw blood for a living! I actually miss it!

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I sincerely hope that you're right, Racey.

First of all, for Ricky's sake. He's got the talent and the desire. Add to that, he's not wishy-washy and speaks his mind and tells the media, and NASCAR, what he believes.

Secondly, I fear that this year is RYR's very last chance. Some years ago Robert tried to step away and delegate his authority to some who weren't ready for the responsibility. It cost him three drivers (Rudd, Jarrett and Sadler) the currently best crew chief in the business, Todd Parrott, and two sponsors (Texaco and UPS).

Rudd is knowledgeable on set ups and knows what it takes to put competitive cars on the tracks NASCAR visits. He brings thirty years of NASCAR experience, and will be able to comminicate this knowledge to both teams. As good as Gilliland is, he's nowhere near this level.

I see Ricky as a tourniquet being used to stem arterial bleeding. Sometimes the limb can be saved and sometimes amputation is required. I hope, for RYR's and for the RYR fan's sake, the limb remains intact.

Dang Bob... you read my mind.