[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Well written, Wing. I like it.

That being said, I don't see your "disconnected" train of thought, but then I'm prone to missing things.

I, personally, heard both statements made live. I was listening to the Junior News Conference at 1000 cst on Wednesday when the Hendrick statement was read, verbatim, over the air. It very plainly pointed out that negotiations with Kyle had broken down because he advised them he had other, more lucrative offers on the table.

Yesterday I personally heard Kyle interviewed on SIRIUS' Driver's Seat show, with John Kernan and Ricky Craven and he said, exactly what Poole reported, which plainly pointed out that there was no contact by other team representatives and no offers on the table. Poole obviously took his quote directly from the recorded sound track of the show.

I would appear to me that one of the parties involved is outright lying. My bet is that it's someone in the Hendrick's camp, directed by Rick Hendrick.

Another telling statement on Hendrick was one he personally gave during a post press conference Q&A, which I also personally heard. One reporter (I don't recall the name) asked him if he was concerned by the effect that a "dynasty," caused by the teaming of Gordon, Johnson and Earnhardt would have on Cup competition. Hendrick's response was something to the affect of (I paraphrase here): "My main concern is in winning championships. It's NASCAR's problem to control everything else."

Basically, I agree. However this is coming from the guy who circumvented a hard and fast NASCAR rule of over 26 years in standing when, in 1984, he added a third team to his stable under the guise of it "Actually being his father's team."

I admit to having a personal bias against Rick Hendrick. I just plain do not like the guy and almost everything, business-wise he stands for. I don't "hate" him ( a word bandied about way too freely in today's society), I just have no respect for him, on a ethical and character level.

His above thought on winning being his concern, everything else being NASCAR's reminds me of a family I knew some time back. The son was partnered in the family business but his main interest was living a high life style. He was known for making business deals beneficial to him but very costly decisions for the family company as a whole. He lived high on the hog for years while the family company went down hill and finally went belly-up. He put his own selfish interests above that of the company that was feeding him.

I see that as a methaphore for Hendrick and NASCAR. But then, I admit bias.

Where I got lost is in your first part (the at the Earnhardt announcement segment) of your post content there is no - "because he advised them he had other, more lucrative offers on the table" - or anything like it.

Then the second segment (The Poole interprets Sirius segment) it goes "other offers" crazy.

Hence lost I was on the connection.

I still go with the Dutton observation.

[Farf]

Well, no matter what is true, whether it was a mutual agreement or a spur of the moment decision, I would feel angry and hurt nonetheless. Kyle is a hothead, who... has many momentary lapses in judgement, but as people have said before, he's young, he'll learn, and he'll grow out of it, hopefully.



I just feel for him, even if he did know about it, I mean, just because he, as with everyone else in the Hendrick camp has been praising Hendrick, and how he's been like a father to them. To suddenly have this happen to Busch must have been... confusing, to say the least. Besides, his contract was supposed to go through 2008, which doesn't apply anymore.

To be honest, I was surprised that Junior went to Hendrick just because it seemed that Hendrick wasn't a serious bidder.

It won't be a problem for finding another team to hire him. He's a young talent who's going to be in the game for many years to come. It would be interesting to see him with Penske or Gibbs racing. Even though he might be with his brother, who also doesn't have the best record, I think it would be good just because he's family. They would be good for each other. As for Gibbs, he would get along with Denny and Tony great, just because they all seem similar. If not those two, then off to Ginn.

No matter what happens though, best of luck to Kyle.

[tkj24]

Originally Posted by Farf

Well, no matter what is true, whether it was a mutual agreement or a spur of the moment decision, I would feel angry and hurt nonetheless. Kyle is a hothead, who... has many momentary lapses in judgement, but as people have said before, he's young, he'll learn, and he'll grow out of it, hopefully.



I just feel for him, even if he did know about it, I mean, just because he, as with everyone else in the Hendrick camp has been praising Hendrick, and how he's been like a father to them. To suddenly have this happen to Busch must have been... confusing, to say the least. Besides, his contract was supposed to go through 2008, which doesn't apply anymore.

To be honest, I was surprised that Junior went to Hendrick just because it seemed that Hendrick wasn't a serious bidder.

It won't be a problem for finding another team to hire him. He's a young talent who's going to be in the game for many years to come. It would be interesting to see him with Penske or Gibbs racing. Even though he might be with his brother, who also doesn't have the best record, I think it would be good just because he's family. They would be good for each other. As for Gibbs, he would get along with Denny and Tony great, just because they all seem similar. If not those two, then off to Ginn.

No matter what happens though, best of luck to Kyle.

Maybe Rick looked at Kurt and thought this ain't going to get no better.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Where I got lost is in your first part (the at the Earnhardt announcement segment) of your post content there is no - "because he advised them he had other, more lucrative offers on the table" - or anything like it.

Then the second segment (The Poole interprets Sirius segment) it goes "other offers" crazy.

Hence lost I was on the connection.

I still go with the Dutton observation.

Please don't mistake my post for an apology for Kyle. Personally, I think that he's an immature little 22 year-old twit who let his immaturity and inability to handle a difficult situation overload his brain.

I always like to have at least one or two kids like Kyle work for me. I can fire them, or otherwise make their lives miserable without a single feeling of guilt.

My entire problem is with Hendrick. The explanation given by HMS was pure spin and, IMNSVHO, "spin" and "corporate-speak" are things we simply DO NOT need in NASCAR.

He could have just as easily said, "We have always tried to support Kyle in his racing endeavors. However, since his win at Bristol multiple things surrounding Kyle have happened making his employ with Hendrick Motor Sports more of a liability as it is an asset. We regret that this will be Kyle Busch's final season with HMS but the chance to replace him with Dale Earnhardt Junior was too good of an opportunity to pass up. We wish Kyle all the best in his racing future.

Why did he have to tell a bold face lie?

Not everyone who lies is lacking in character; everyone who is lacking in character lies.

FYI, I totally concur with Monte and his assesment of the media. I sincerely wish that they would just back the Hell off, and report the news AS IT HAPPENS! Quit trying to make it happen!

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I totally concur with Monte and his assesment of the media. I sincerely wish that they would just back the Hell off, and report the news AS IT HAPPENS! Quit trying to make it happen!

Hey wait ..... I thought I was the only one that hated the media for making news instead of reporting it.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Changing the question from "which" to "who" is most/more believeable, me answer is - not David Poole. He failed to directly connect the two for the purpose of verification/decision.

I just re-read your post Wing and I missed this final paragraph completely! May I offer my opinion on why this happened?

Rick Hendrick, among others in NASCAR, is a major force. He is the CEO of NASCAR's most successful organization and this has made him a "sacred cow" within the media world that covers NASCAR. With a simple pick-up of the phone, a flick of his Waterman pen, or just a word in someone's ear and a reporter suddenly becomes persona-non-grata in the garage area and the entire NASCAR world.

No one, absolutely NO ONE, is going question anything Rick Hendrick does or says. Trust me on this one, you will NEVER hear a NASCAR media-type even hint that Hendrick is a convicted felon, on mail fraud, and price fixing charges. They will NEVER remind us that he received an extremely questionable Presidential pardon which included 153 other criminals including Mark Rich, who was convicted of stock fraud and left the country during his appeal and was living in France, eleven convicted high level drug dealers, and seven Puerto Rican FLIA terrorist who machine gunned multiple people outside the UN building in NYC.

Even the biased NY Times reported the following:

Lawmaker Suspects Library Profited From Some Pardons - Free Preview - The New York Times

From absolutely everything I have come to understand about journalism, one cardinal rule is: NEVER do anything to jeopardize your ability to get an interview.

Poole proves this adage is still alive and well.

[lilsexy08]

Kyle is a punk and he knows fans don't like him and he loves it!

[MIKE28]

Kyle Would Look Good At Ryr Where He Can Be The Man And Help Bring Ryr Back To The Top. He Has Alot Of Talent, But Just Need To Settle Down Some. I Dont Think This Will Be The Only Big Time Driver To Move To Another Team. Biffle, Jarrett And Maybe Even Kurt, If He Dosent Start Running Better.

[simple simon]

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Add Robert Yates Racing to the list of teams interested in signing Kyle Busch to drive next season.


"I've sent word through his agent [that I would like to talk to him]," RYR co-owner Robert Yates said on Thursday during a Ford function. "I'm very interested."

ESPN - RYR joins DEI, Ginn in pursuit of Kurt Busch - Nascar

looks like some of you may get your wish

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by simple simon

"I've sent word through his agent [that I would like to talk to him]," RYR co-owner Robert Yates said on Thursday during a Ford function. "I'm very interested."

looks like some of you may get your wish

I'd say it looks more like a non-Hollywood version of, "Have your machine call my machine and we'll do lunch. Caio."

I think he'd do RYR more good. Wherever he goes, I hope it isn't to a team with an established super-dooperstar. I think trying to be the racing equal of either Jeffy or Jimmy was one of Schrub's major problems.

[Jeffrey4318]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

]A press release released in Kyle's name by HMS at Junior's press conference:

The following is a statement from Busch regarding the decision to leave: "We had been working on a contract extension for me to remain at Hendrick Motorsports, but after prolonged negotiations, we mutually agreed that a fresh start was in order. I have been granted a release after the 2007 season. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. It's where I grew up, and I have a lot of great memories. I kind of feel like I'm graduating. I'm excited about my future, and I know a lot of opportunities await because of what everyone at Hendrick did for me - on the track and off. I still have a job to do this year, and will give it my all - just as I've always done - to make sure we put the #5 car in victory lane a few more times before the year is out."(True Speed Communication PR)

This afternoon, on SIRIUS' Drivers Seat, with John Kernan and Ricky Craven, Kyle was personally interviewed and the following was offered (As reported by David Poole in the Gaston Gazette):

A gracious statement was issued in Busch’s name at the same time the press conference announcing Earnhardt’s hiring was taking place. Not so, said Busch. “Well, you know, this is all brand new,” said Busch. “I hadn’t talked or discussed or done anything with any other team. There had been a rumor that flew around that I was unhappy at Hendrick Motorsports, which was untrue. I was just frustrated with the way things were going, that I wasn’ able to get results. We had been running good and been fast everywhere, but we just had some bad luck and were crashing, and whatever. “That rumor started, and then after that rumor, it was that I was getting offers from other teams, which, I had never talked to anybody.” Busch said he hadn’t been given any indication that he wouldn’t be back at Hendrick until Monday.(Gaston Gazette)(6-14-2007)

The former is given under the direction of a convicted felon, a car salesman, and person a great leadership abilities but serious deficiencies in character and ethics. A lie here would put a "happy face" on an injustice.

The latter is a statement made by a 22 year old. A lie here would gain said 22 year old kid absolutely nothing.

Which do YOU believe?

Well if this is true and Kyle had no idea he wouldn't return to Hendrick next year then if I were Kyle I would so take it to Mr Hendrick. KB is still under contract. If I am correct it takes both parties to break a contract right? What happens if Kyle say no go? If he keeps showing up to work every day while he is under contract? What does HMS and Nascar do? Can Rick keep Kyle out of a car legally? If he can't wouldn't Nascar have to force RH to put Kyle in the car over Jr because he was contracted first?

This could potentionally be a huge problem for RH and Nascar. Nascar should of made RH amend or break Kyle's contract first before he could sign Jr. Because right now he has 5 drivers signed to race for him next year, which he wont be able to have come 2008. Hopefully this will get really interesting. I love drama.

[MIKE28]

Kyle Just Showed In Qualifying What He Can. Do You Think He Can Lead A Team Right Now? Like To See Him Go To Ryr. Reminds Me Of Davey With His Hard Charger Style.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by MIKE28

Kyle Just Showed In Qualifying What He Can. Do You Think He Can Lead A Team Right Now? Like To See Him Go To Ryr. Reminds Me Of Davey With His Hard Charger Style.

Ability wise he could probably lead a team but his immature attitude will surely get in the way.

[tkj24]

Originally Posted by MIKE28

Kyle Just Showed In Qualifying What He Can. Do You Think He Can Lead A Team Right Now? Like To See Him Go To Ryr. Reminds Me Of Davey With His Hard Charger Style.

Davey Allison had nowhere near the attitude Kyle has.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

All this being said, I think Ray Everham might make a good home for Kyle. He babysat Jeff long enough for him to develop into on of NASCAR's greatest (but not the greatest) drivers. Maybe he could do the same for Kyle?

Sadler said on Trackside Live that Ray is talking to Kyle.