[Robertdjr]

Originally Posted by kkfan91

56??? what an odd number when was the last time there was a 56 car in cup?

According to Martin, that number is very special to him. His dad drove a 56 car in some series he was in. And Martin, Jr said he drove the 56 in every series he's been in, dating back to his go-kart racing days, until he came into NASCAR. So apparently the #56 is significant to his family.

I'm happy for Martin. I think he has a much better chance of winning with MWR than he would with EGR/TEI or whatever they call that place.

[jay1594]

Tis official = D That # 56 NAPA Toyota sure looked sharp when they showed it on speed today. I wish Martin Truex the best of luck in 2010 with MWR.

[LSC9901]

This is definitely scary. Truex will probably do better with MWR ????? Makes my head spin to think that is a real possibility. Think Dale Sr is a spinnin' in the grave ?

"What happened to my company ??"

[jay1594]

Your exactly right, Dale is surely spinnin' in his grave wondering what the heck happened to his company, he should have just left it too Junior and I think they would be doing alot better. Instead Teresa has driven it into ground and if Aric Almirola doesn't drive the 1 next year they'll only Juan Montoya who is doing awesome but I think Chip Ganassi would most likely take over if that happened , but who knows what will happen?

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by jay1594

Tis official = D That # 56 NAPA Toyota sure looked sharp when they showed it on speed today. I wish Martin Truex the best of luck in 2010 with MWR.

Here's a video of the press conference
NASCAR.COM Video - Truex Jr., Waltrip announce 2010 plans

[bob101]

Bass Pro had only agreed to a partial sponsorship in 2010 so I wonder if Ganassi/Earnhardt can even run the #1 full time next year.

[Racer Duck]

I happened to be awake when NASCAR NOW came on the TV last night. They had Martin and Mikey on and were discussing their announcement. Mikey looked like a proud father and Martin looked like just won a championship!

Mikey wouldn't say how long NAPA has "re-upped" for except it was for "multiple years". And when they asked Martin how long his contract was for he said with a smile "multiple years"...

In a later discussion after MWR's on camera stint was over, one of the reporters said that one of the reasons Martin decided to leave EGR was the uncertainty of sponsorship at EGR. It's no secret that NAPA is one of the premier sponsors in NASCAR and I guess Martin was the top "free agent" for next year, so putting them together was a natural.

I think we all have reservations about Mikey's leadership abilities, but remember, he now has business partners who have installed personell who know how to run a business and get a good ROI. So while Mikey is the "mouth" of the organization (and remember, no matter what you think of him as a driver, he's super at marketing), know also that they are have very capable folks taking care of the business aspect. And as long as they have a good group of drivers (which I believe they have) and crews (they seem to know what they're doing) and support from both 'Yota and their sponsors (no doubt about that) then they're gonna be a force to be reconned with and could join the ranks of the mega teams very soon.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

And as long as they have a good group of drivers (which I believe they have) and crews (they seem to know what they're doing) and support from both 'Yota and their sponsors (no doubt about that) then they're gonna be a force to be reconned with and could join the ranks of the mega teams very soon.

That's about the way I have it figured. My opinion is that the overall success depends on whether they can keep Mikey focused on marketing and not "putting his personal stamp" on EVERYTHING the team does on the track.

He's like his brother; it there is a camera rolling somewhere, Mikey wants to be not only in the picture but wants center stage. Hopefully Kauffman can keep a muzzle on him but it's going to have to be a mighty big muzzle.

[loco4pablo]

People can say what they want about Mikey....But I do know one thing, he is the only out there in 2009 that was still able to lock in a 3 year commitment from a big corporation. That is huge in this economy. Who else has been able to do that this year? Not Penske, Rousch, Hendrix or Stewart. No partial deal here, no 15 race season... A solid 3 year deal for all the races.
He is smiling in front of the camera and he is smiling when he cashes his checks.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by loco4pablo

People can say what they want about Mikey....But I do know one thing, he is the only out there in 2009 that was still able to lock in a 3 year commitment from a big corporation. That is huge in this economy. Who else has been able to do that this year? Not Penske, Rousch, Hendrix or Stewart. No partial deal here, no 15 race season... A solid 3 year deal for all the races.
He is smiling in front of the camera and he is smiling when he cashes his checks.

I totally agree...but I still think he's a putz.

[nascaraddict]

At least the guy is going to be racing some next year. But I would rather have him in the 55 full time.

[Robertdjr]

I gotta give Mikey props for one thing. Here lately, everybody is so dang serious about how things are in NASCAR, and rightfully so. But as they say "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Mikey has the ability to laugh at NASCAR and laugh at himself, while maintaining an enthusiasm for the sport that not many show, especially since he's been around a lot longer than most the drivers today. Simply put, Mikey makes me laugh. And there's plenty of times when I need a good laugh where NASCAR is concerned. I don't know how many times I've chuckled watching him be the goof ball on TWIN.

[Bob Tanner]

Just because I think he's a schlemiel doesn't make him one. I dislike him because he's got many of the same traits his brother has and those are the exact same traits which draw others to him while they have the exact opposite affect on me.

Doesn't make either of the Brothers Waltrip bad people. They are just people I, personally, would never care to give the time of day to.

The Waltrip's are like liver; some like it and some don't. It's a matter of taste.

[Robertdjr]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Just because I think he's a schlemiel doesn't make him one. I dislike him because he's got many of the same traits his brother has and those are the exact same traits which draw others to him while they have the exact opposite affect on me.

Doesn't make either of the Brothers Waltrip bad people. They are just people I, personally, would never care to give the time of day to.

The Waltrip's are like liver; some like it and some don't. It's a matter of taste.

That's our Curmudgeon...always so serious