[BiscuitMan]

I saw the interview with Kyle Petty on the Speed Channel this afternoon. He's under a lot of pressure because of the poor performance of the No. 45 and Chad McCumbee replacing him at Texas this wekend. However, reading news comments from the garage today and seeing his interview, he is becoming a little testy with his comments when asked about Chad being put in the car by saying "that's our business." He seemed to imply no one should be questioning that decision. In several interviews with print reporters he even implied that if Petty Enterprises made the driver change permanent, he would probably look to another team to drive another race car, saying that "he has a family to support".

[3fanforever]

Yep, it looks like things are gonna get worse over there at PE before they get better...

"FORT WORTH, Texas -- Kyle Petty isn't happy about the decision to replace him with rookie Chad McCumbee for Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. He made it clear on Friday that it was not his decision to step aside even though Robbie Loomis, the vice president of competition at Petty Enterprises, said it was. "I don't care what he said,'' Petty said. "I said it wasn't. Why would I get out of a car?''

ESPN - Petty, team VP Loomis differ on who made call for McCumbee - Racing

and from the Speed Channel interview:

"FORT WORTH, Texas – Kyle Petty said he would consider driving for a different organization if "there's not a place for me here" at Petty Enterprises. The 47-year-old veteran replied "Oh, yeah" without hesitation when asked Friday afternoon whether a new race team could be in his future if it is determined that Petty Enterprises wants to go in a different direction. "Even though you think I make a living running my mouth, I try to make a living driving," he said. "And if there's no place for me here, then you'd have to go someplace else."

NASCAR - CUP: Kyle Petty Willing to Move to a Different Team - SPEEDtv.com

[Quality88]

This aint good, aint good at all.

[LSC9901]

What'll he say when he does get another ride and he can't qualify ??? First off the ride that he might get won't be a top team. Who wants a 47 year old driver who hasn't won a race in over 10 years ? He cannot offer a champions provisional. If he can't work it out with Robbie and Daddy he really should consider stepping aside. His own stats are working against him.

[bob101]

Kyle needs a reality check pretty quick. If PE set him out of the car and he was doing just as good as the other one is one thing. He's not. Outside of a freak fuel mileage deal last year he hasn't done well in "forever".

If he can't do as well as the other car what makes him think he would do any better elsewhere.

Personally I think one of the few good things PE has done from a business standpoint is yank Kyle out of the car. He's not getting it done. Period. End of story.

[Bryan88]

Wow, PE is just a huge mess right now and to top it all off they are going to miss another race as McCumbee failed to qualify in Kyle's ride.
Do you guys (and/or gals) think other teams would be willing to take on Kyle? I mean he is a big name and can probably draw a sponsor, but he just is not a good driver anymore. I am sure a small team would take him, but that would be a lateral move as they probably wouldn't be all that more successful than PE. If Bobby knew what was good for him he would get far far away from this sinking ship.

[Jeffrey4396]

I think he is alittle testy because the 43 just lost its sponsor and driver. This is bad news for Petty fans, and even great news for Bobby fans. A KP melt down almost just confirms the fact that Bobby will leave. If the deal between RCR and B Lab aren't final then this isn't helping PE keep Bobby.

[Bob Tanner]

And now I just read that Kyle said he'll go to another team if he has to, to get a ride. He seems to have abdicated control of the team to Robbie Loomis and others?

If it weren't so darn sad, it'd be bordering on the ridiculous.

I heard a report last week (I don't recall who stated it, but...) allegedly, in some long ago interview, Kyle was reported to have said that he feels closest to Adam when he is behind the wheel of a race car.

If that is the case, then, sadly, Kyle might well have a problem which transcends his inability to qualify and finish well. Being stuck in any stage of grief is NOT a good thing.

This entire story is not playing well at all. If Andrew Lloyd Weber appears and writes a musical score for it, I'm leaving...

[bob101]

In the interview Kyle said he was not 100% behind the move to the new shop in Charlotte.

Personally I think Kyle has to go. I think it bodes well that someone at Petty (presumably Richard) has the you know whats to yank him out of the car for the good of the team/company.

Kyle could keep riding around circles until they are bankrupt at this rate.

In the same interview Kyle said like 9 times that he was adament that he was not the problem. Well I'm pretty sure he gets close to the same gear as the other car...so what would be the problem? If he's not the problem and the gear is the same that pretty much leaves the people who work on his car..can he not get a replacement?

Sounds goofy to me.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by bob101

In the interview Kyle said he was not 100% behind the move to the new shop in Charlotte.

Personally I think Kyle has to go. I think it bodes well that someone at Petty (presumably Richard) has the you know whats to yank him out of the car for the good of the team/company.

Kyle could keep riding around circles until they are bankrupt at this rate.

In the same interview Kyle said like 9 times that he was adament that he was not the problem. Well I'm pretty sure he gets close to the same gear as the other car...so what would be the problem? If he's not the problem and the gear is the same that pretty much leaves the people who work on his car..can he not get a replacement?

Sounds goofy to me.

We seldom see, and even less seldom admit to, our own failings. Kyle is a much respected person, but that doesn't make him a good driver. While I'll agree that he isn't the total problem, he is a big part of it. Make changes now or watch the company dissolve right before your eyes.

[clutch]

While I admit that it it is probably time for Kyle to get out of the car, I dont think Texas was the place to do it. At such a fast track for the rookie.....surely experience is a big help at this track

I can understand Kyle's frustration. He'd like to hang up his racing gloves on his own terms and not get pushed infront of the car

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Quality88

This aint good, aint good at all.

I like the avatar .. it suits you.

[oncea3fan]

seems there might be more going on at PE then all have been lead to believe.
might not be the big family as orginally thought.

I hope they can right the ship enough to miss the ice burg.

[Bassdogs]

Not sure it would have worked, but IMHO the problem at PE turned south when Kyle's son was killed. I think Kyle was close to getting out of the drivers seat and moving to the front office, as soon as his son was ready for the cup series. With his death, Kyle had to stay in the seat to keep a Petty active in the series. Out of respect for his son, pride in the Petty name, or pure ego has kept him in driving long after his prime. Maybe Richard has finally had enough and as the "King", he likely doesn't have to put his decisions to a vote.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

I like the avatar .. it suits you.

I thought so to