[Measure]

Two weeks, two poor finishes.

Only two drivers with points have fewer than Mears, and both of them only raced once.

Mears is going to have to tear it up in the next couple of weeks to get back in .

This is only my second year paying attention to NASCAR, and as such, it is astounding to me to see the possibility of a Hendrick car not having a guaranteed spot in each race.

Interesting stuff.

[oncea3fan]

maybe if hendrick car goes home, it will give the top 35 rule the kick it needs to be changed

[Bassdogs]

CM will have to get it together in the next 3 races or he will be outside looking in. Keep in mind though that all he has to do is move up to 35th and then work up from there. A couple of decent top 20 or better finishes and he'll be there.

[Racer Duck]

CM isn't important in the Hendrick scheme of things - they have 3 top 5 drivers plus an extensive "farm system". He's been a middle of the pack driver with occasional good finishes since he went to HMS. Nothing's changed. Don't know what (dirty little secrets) he has locked away in his safe deposit box, but he seems to be teflon coated and will probably finish his career at HMS, unless he does something stupid to a Hendricks family member, that is!

That said, of all the drivers at HMS, I like Casey the best and think if he's to reach his potential, HMS is the place to be. However, I'm almost convinced he has already attained that goal.

[Measure]

Been doing some math. As Mears is running a hendrick engine, situation isn't incredibly dire.

However, Mears will have to drive pretty well over the next three races to get into the top 35.

He can do it with an average finish of 27th or better over three weeks. He could do it this sunday with a finish of 18th or better.

It will be slightly easier if he can pick up some bonus points.

I'm basing this off the 35th position gaining about 68 points per week. Mears has so far averaged 48 points per week.

[BiscuitMan]

Originally Posted by Measure

Been doing some math. As Mears is running a hendrick engine, situation isn't incredibly dire.

However, Mears will have to drive pretty well over the next three races to get into the top 35.

He can do it with an average finish of 27th or better over three weeks. He could do it this sunday with a finish of 18th or better.

It will be slightly easier if he can pick up some bonus points.

I'm basing this off the 35th position gaining about 68 points per week. Mears has so far averaged 48 points per week.

I think Casey Mears will be looking for a top 5 finish at Vegas. He's not worrying about just getting into the top 35. Remember, he's got the same equipment that Gordon, Johnson and Dale Jr. have.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by BiscuitMan

I think Casey Mears will be looking for a top 5 finish at Vegas. He's not worrying about just getting into the top 35. Remember, he's got the same equipment that Gordon, Johnson and Dale Jr. have.

They'd like you to believe that ... but I have my doubts.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

They'd like you to believe that ... but I have my doubts.

Yeah, I think he needs to get his crew to sneak over to the 24/48 garage and swap cars with them .. find out if all the propaganda is true for himself.

[bob101]

If at Race 6 Mears has to race himself in that will signal the end of the top 35 rule or modify it in some way....

It would make my YEAR in NASCAR to see a hendrick car sit out a race....how hard would it be to recover from 0 points at a race...what would Rick do..swap drivers or some sort, pull a Penske?

[Measure]

Originally Posted by bob101

It would make my YEAR in NASCAR to see a hendrick car sit out a race....how hard would it be to recover from 0 points at a race...what would Rick do..swap drivers or some sort, pull a Penske?

Yeah right. Gordon NOT in the 24? Johnson NOT in the 48? No way. And does Jr even have a championship provisional to help with?

[WestCoast]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

They'd like you to believe that ... but I have my doubts.

I think he has the same equipment and also a winning crew of last years #5.
Me thinks, Mears is just not that good and nothing else,
(conspiracy=zero).

[bob101]

Originally Posted by Measure

Yeah right. Gordon NOT in the 24? Johnson NOT in the 48? No way. And does Jr even have a championship provisional to help with?

Well look what Penske did...they didn't change numbers for Busch and Hornish.

What's to say some owner doesn't do the same thing mid season now that they let one team?

Not saying it will happen but that pandora's box has already been opened now.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by WestCoast

I think he has the same equipment and also a winning crew of last years #5.
Me thinks, Mears is just not that good and nothing else,
(conspiracy=zero).

hmmm, something's wrong here. someone agrees with me about Casey.

[Highflying]

Originally Posted by oncea3fan

maybe if hendrick car goes home, it will give the top 35 rule the kick it needs to be changed

so true Hendricks made a dumb move keeping Mears and letting Kyle go! Mears is a 20th place driver and that all he will ever be. He not bad but he not great. Bad call on Hendricks part

[Ellison]

Originally Posted by Highflying

so true Hendricks made a dumb move keeping Mears and letting Kyle go! Mears is a 20th place driver and that all he will ever be. He not bad but he not great. Bad call on Hendricks part

Kyle B. is definitely better but obviously the decision was based on personality. Plus, isn't Mears good friends with Gordon (or is it Johnson?), that can't hurt.

As for Casey Mears ... from his win at Charlotte until the end of the season, he was ranked 9th in actual race points earned. (not including Chase reset bonus points that is). Being at Hendrick, I'd consider him more of a Chase borderline guy, 20th is a bit harsh unless you think he will keep wrecking/getting wrecked.