[vincesanity82]

The exodus is under way for Petty Enterprises. By Jan. 2, most of it will be complete as the storied NASCAR operation moves its headquarters 74 miles south from Level Cross, N.C., to the recently vacated Robert Yates Racing buildings in Mooresville, N.C., much closer to most of the other top race shops who call North Carolina home. For Richard Petty, the legendary driver and car owner who remains the nominal head of Petty Enterprises, most of the tears over the move already have been shed. Yes, it is difficult to move from a place the family-based organization has called home for nearly 60 years, next to the home where Richard grew up and still only a short drive from where he lives today. But he said the hardest part of the move, which is taking place in stages, was deciding to move in the first place -- a decision made months ago after seriously considering it for several years. "The hard part was making the decision," Petty said. "It's easy after that." -- NASCAR.com

NASCAR.COM - Petty Enterprises migrates south hoping to improve - Dec 26, 2007

[Racer Duck]

The first step on a journey such as this is always the hardest. But once they get involved with solving all the daily problems, that step will be long forgotten .. except for a few.

It's my hope that this marks the beginning of a new era for Petty Enterprises, one marked with much success.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

The first step on a journey such as this is always the hardest. But once they get involved with solving all the daily problems, that step will be long forgotten .. except for a few.

It's my hope that this marks the beginning of a new era for Petty Enterprises, one marked with much success.

I hope so too. In a couple years they'll get some new drivers in the cars with what I assume is a nicer shop (why else move?). Hopefully it brings on a new, successful era for the Petty's which would be nice for the sport.

[Racer Duck]

As I understand it, the reason for the move wasn't for a better building (the one in Level Cross was more than adequate and was not growth constrained like DEI), but to be closer to the "hub" so they'd have a better chance of attracting the best talent. That 74 miles was turning into quite a large barrier and it's no secret that PE was not one of the leading teams technology-wise. The better proximity is expected to fix both problems. And The King has not been shy about talking with "investors" recently. All signs that there may be an old giant awakening. The next couple of years will be interesting at PE to say the least.

[jks812]

I hope this does help them. I would love to see PE running up front again.

[DOF_power]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

As I understand it, the reason for the move wasn't for a better building (the one in Level Cross was more than adequate and was not growth constrained like DEI), but to be closer to the "hub" so they'd have a better chance of attracting the best talent. That 74 miles was turning into quite a large barrier and it's no secret that PE was not one of the leading teams technology-wise. The better proximity is expected to fix both problems. And The King has not been shy about talking with "investors" recently. All signs that there may be an old giant awakening. The next couple of years will be interesting at PE to say the least.

That's just like the british F1 hub. The human intelligence flow is the same.
But the real deal is how will PE attract the talent ?!
And in F1 every team has its "thing" to do so (and that doesn't necessarily imply more money). Hendricks from what I hear has more money and free gifts or something.

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by DOF_power

That's just like the british F1 hub. The human intelligence flow is the same.
But the real deal is how will PE attract the talent ?!
And in F1 every team has its "thing" to do so (and that doesn't necessarily imply more money). Hendricks from what I hear has more money and free gifts or something.

Yup, Yup DOF. And going (we think) further with your thoughts:

This is one of two things:

1. Last gasp
2. The decision of historic successful recognition (but we got to wait for history to play out to see if this is so)

Richard - love him but the sport has passed him by. His ability to contribute from a "experienced driver in the seat" standpoint is long since over. He is the King, but his era is over. Increasingly todays fans may be heard to say - "What's with the hat and sunglasses?"

Kyle - while we love him to death here, never was a real factor/force in the seat.

Both - can attract sponsor dollars for a little while longer, but there's a limit to todays fan(s) and sponsers memory.

************************************************** ***

Talent today is attracted by either success, nostalgia (This got Bobby there) or $$$$$.

Success is not there. Petty Enterprises is a zero. Struggles to get in the show every week.

Nostalgia - quickly becoming a thing of the past.

$$$$$ - they have it off their name/nostalgia for the short/near term. Shortly it will be - "Petty who?".

************************************************** **

It feels that Petty Enterprises has two, maybe three years to produce. Then it is over. Actually it may be one or two. Sponsers today have less staying inclination and commitment. "What have you done for me lately" - is the mantra.

The move closer to the "hub" is a good one. The results - we'll all see fairly soon.

I rooted for Yates, Woods, and others to survive. Now Petty. None making it to date. Keep hoping.

[clutch]

Gee Wing, I usually enjoy your posts...........however this time I respectfully disagree.

......well its more that I respectfully hope you're wrong ...Lol

[DOF_power]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Yup, Yup DOF. And going (we think) further with your thoughts:

This is one of two things:

1. Last gasp
2. The decision of historic successful recognition (but we got to wait for history to play out to see if this is so)

Richard - love him but the sport has passed him by. His ability to contribute from a "experienced driver in the seat" standpoint is long since over. He is the King, but his era is over. Increasingly todays fans may be heard to say - "What's with the hat and sunglasses?"

Kyle - while we love him to death here, never was a real factor/force in the seat.

Both - can attract sponsor dollars for a little while longer, but there's a limit to todays fan(s) and sponsers memory.

************************************************** ***

Same as with Jackie Stewart or Niki Lauda in F1.
Former top drivers aren't necessarily the best team bosses, in fact it seems it's quite the opposite.
As things constantly and continuously change, they don't seem to keep up/adapt so well.

Talent today is attracted by either success, nostalgia (This got Bobby there) or $$$$$.

Success is not there. Petty Enterprises is a zero. Struggles to get in the show every week.

Nostalgia - quickly becoming a thing of the past.

$$$$$ - they have it off their name/nostalgia for the short/near term. Shortly it will be - "Petty who?".

************************************************** **

There's also another thing, a position of great(er) importance (to satisfy some big egos).

It feels that Petty Enterprises has two, maybe three years to produce. Then it is over. Actually it may be one or two. Sponsers today have less staying inclination and commitment. "What have you done for me lately" - is the mantra.

The move closer to the "hub" is a good one. The results - we'll all see fairly soon.

I rooted for Yates, Woods, and others to survive. Now Petty. None making it to date. Keep hoping.

Yep I agree.

[LSC9901]

Wing I see and sadly agree with the assessment. I'm sure there are many of us who have a desire to see PE rise to the top again but I also believe that most of us understand that time, money and technology are working against them. Had Adam not died then maybe there would have been a star in the future. The King will always be recognized as the King, but for past performances only. Kyle is a beloved driver. Not much of a legacy there to keep him famous (as a driver). I think PE will last more than a few years. When I see single car teams such as Robby Gordon, I see PE sticking around at least as long as there are single car teams. They'll always be able to find a sponsor(s). The problem there is part of what they are experiencing today. Less money, less time up front.