[Bob Tanner]

...and just when you thought things couldn't get any more uncertain...

From Jayski:

"Dodge teams could be left scrambling: Dodge's future in NASCAR could be on the line, with DaimlerChrysler's proposed sale of its American division moving rapidly along and expected to be completed by the end of the month. What worries Dodge teams is the threat that whoever buys Chrysler may decide to liquidate its assets. (According to one report, General Motors may buy Chrysler's Jeep operations.) If that were to happen, and if Dodge's NASCAR teams are unable to continue, that could leave 11 stock-car teams and their five owners [Evernham, Petty, Ganassi, Penske, BAM] scrambling."

The full story:
Winston-Salem Journal | Additional ownership changes could be in store

[Souporscotty]

I couldn't get anything out of the link. But it's my understanding that there's no definite buyer(s) yet. But yet the purchase will be completed in less than 2 weeks? I must be missin' somethin' somewhere.

[LSC9901]

Wouldn't Evernham love to get back into a Chevy anyway ????

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Wouldn't Evernham love to get back into a Chevy anyway ????

His "history" has been one of wanting to step outside of the proven/norm in order that he could very clearly demonstrate his ability to make a go of something others have not or could not. His step towards Chrysler was the most recent example of this.

It would not be a huge surprise to see him with Toyota.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

His "history" has been one of wanting to step outside of the proven/norm in order that he could very clearly demonstrate his ability to make a go of something others have not or could not. His step towards Chrysler was the most recent example of this.

It would not be a huge surprise to see him with Toyota.

I realize that Evernham could do much better than MWR but doesn't the performance thus far this year put a question mark next to Toyota versus Chevy ???

[oncea3fan]

BUT WHO DO YOU think would throw more money at ray and kasey.
barely afloat chevy or extra deep pockets toyota.

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I realize that Evernham could do much better than MWR but doesn't the performance thus far this year put a question mark next to Toyota versus Chevy ???

No more, in fact less, a question mark then when he made the move to Chrysler. He is quite a bit ahead for another change. Built, raced, known, chassis, experienced employees who have worked together, etc.

Performance of teams running Toyo's is more a "Teams that are running Toyo's" issue than a Toyo issue.

[Nascar318is]

It will be interesting to see what happens. I know GM was looking at buying the Chrysler group back in Febuary. Will it fall through? Only time will tell. But dodge is almost the next breed that will be extinct in Nascar, following in the path of Pontiac 3 years ago when they pulled out at the end of 2003 .

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I realize that Evernham could do much better than MWR but doesn't the performance thus far this year put a question mark next to Toyota versus Chevy ???

Not really, Steve. I look at it this way... Which teams are doing well? The long-established teams and/or veteran drivers.
The Felon's two main teams have been together for awhile now.
The Gibbs teams have been together; Hamlin is only in his second year but built rapport with his team quickly
Childress team was a long history and Burton's leadership only enhances a good situation.
Kenseth and Reiser have been together since the damn of time.
Flipper is now back with the crew chief he had in his playoff-finishing first full year.
On the other hand the Toyotas have two of their three team owners with basic start-up teams. BDR, OTOH, ? Blaney has qualified for each race and has been fast in the majority of them but has been caught up in some seriously bad ju-ju. Mayfield...? New team with a new car.

However, you could very well be right. It might be that the Toyotas currently have a bad product. What amazes me is why the Toys can be so bad in Cup, yet be so dominant in CTS and have Blaney and Reutimann do so well in Cup Lite. Something about that just doesn't seem right.

[Souporscotty]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

However, you could very well be right. It might be that the Toyotas currently have a bad product. What amazes me is why the Toys can be so bad in Cup, yet be so dominant in CTS and have Blaney and Reutimann do so well in Cup Lite. Something about that just doesn't seem right.

I'm with you Bob, I think they're sandbaggin'.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Souporscotty

I'm with you Bob, I think they're sandbaggin'.

With millions at stake I just cannot see any of them sandbagging. Why would Toyota even consider dealing with someone not giving it their all ? There are plenty of teams out there looking for the type of support that Toyota can offer both in the financial and technical area.

[Nascar318is]

Originally Posted by Souporscotty

I'm with you Bob, I think they're sandbaggin'.

Give Toyota a few years. I think it has to do with there R & D. Remember the first year in the CTS, they were lucky to get a top 5 or top 10. Starting with last season they were top contenders, and this year you see the top 5 all Toyota(4 wins in a row this year.). I say give Toyota a few season's to catch up. Also this year they have 2 cars to deal with the COY and the COT. Plus the drivers help as well

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

What amazes me is why the Toys can be so bad in Cup, yet be so dominant in CTS and have Blaney and Reutimann do so well in Cup Lite. Something about that just doesn't seem right.

Mr. T (yeah I know, bad picture with the mohawk, chains & stuff),

From the 'ol perspective here, yah seemed to uncover the answer to "amazes me" first couple lines of yer post. Somethin' ya said around - experienced teams are doin' well.

I'm extendin' myself here a bit cause I really wanted to watch a bit longer before venturing the following.

I'm going (with my early venture) with your - experienced teams (Toyota Teams) are doing well based on;

1. CTS - Toyo and the Toyo teams have had the time. Little doubt it seems to be working just fine.

2. Busch - Similar to above. Engines and wheelbase closer to CTS than the Cup. Teams running Toyo here (one's doing well) have been running Busch and/or CTS for a bit. This includes MWR. Simply hung skins on known chassis' and plugged the CTS-like engine in.

3. Cup - Blaney doing well (my view). Has really not fallen off from last year. Only real change here is Toyo engine. BDR/CAT was there last year. Had (yeah I know, broken record) known chassis. Had only to hang new skins and drop in the engine. Known chassis is big here.

It ain't a Toyo issue (my growing view), it's a teams running Toyo issue.

A bit a chassis freak am I. Have personally had lesser engine, equal driver, but better tuned (known) chassis and consistently topped those who could time 3/10's faster.

Fun stuff.

[LSC9901]

Great overview !

It is along the same lines of what I said before the season even started. I have been and am of the opinion that whenever you put a new team together you have a communication issue and you have to give the team time to understand each others needs, wants, desires etc.

I believe that Toyota does not have the necessary cup experience to be a force this year or maybe next year too.

Last but not least, going back to the team issue, when you add 7 plus teams those people need to come from somewhere. Part of what has happened this year is that there are team members that are inexperienced at this level. Along with the inexperience is the above mentioned inability to gel as a team ...... hopefully for their sake this will only be a temporary issue.