Nascar 2012

[Motorcyclist]

2011 is in the can, let's see if we can get things going for 2012.

First order of bidness: word on the street is that Kurt Busch is out at Penske Racing. Roger P. is a pretty patient and deliberate guy, but ol' Kurt pushed him to the brink. Buh-bye Kurt, here's hoping a start and park team picks you up!

[larryboy]

Maybe Kurt can be the backup driver for his brother when Kyle is suspended and not allowed to be on track?

I'd still like to kiss Jimmy Spencer on the lips for punching Kurt in the face.

[Motorcyclist]

Originally Posted by larryboy

I'd still like to kiss Jimmy Spencer on the lips for punching Kurt in the face.

All hail Mr. Excitement

[exoff-roadgoat]

Originally Posted by Motorcyclist

All hail Mr. Excitement

JIMMY! JIMMY! JIMMY! JIMMY!

[RedRocket]

Originally Posted by Motorcyclist

2011 is in the can, let's see if we can get things going for 2012.

First order of bidness: word on the street is that Kurt Busch is out at Penske Racing. Roger P. is a pretty patient and deliberate guy, but ol' Kurt pushed him to the brink. Buh-bye Kurt, here's hoping a start and park team picks you up!

Penske already got rid of Busch's crew chief. Why do that if you're gonna change the driver too?

[Motorcyclist]

Originally Posted by RedRocket

Penske already got rid of Busch's crew chief. Why do that if you're gonna change the driver too?

My understanding is that Addington left of his own accord. He has just been named Stewart's crew chief, so I'd say he made a good move. After working with Kyle and Kurt the past several years, that guy deserves a medal.

An article I saw in October quoted Roger Penske as wanting to keep Addington: "He has done a fantastic job for us and I hope to keep him here long term, Penske told Blount."

One sure sign of distress in an organization is when good people start heading for the door, duh . The way Busch treated his crew in public (I can only imagine the tantrums in private), did not foster any team building, and good people will only put up with that for so long (maybe a little longer if you're winning consistently). Roger probably figures that it is easier to replace a driver than an entire engineering staff and pit crew.

[larryboy]

Originally Posted by Motorcyclist

My understanding is that Addington left of his own accord.

Yup, he quit Penske.

Looks like Hendrick wants Grubb back, but they don't have a crew chief spot for him because Kahne's deal has him bringing his own crew chief.

[shrineclown]

Originally Posted by larryboy

Maybe Kurt can be the backup driver for his brother when Kyle is suspended and not allowed to be on track?

I'd still like to kiss Jimmy Spencer on the lips for punching Kurt in the face.

Sorry, Jimmy doesn't go that way. I have met Pat, his wife.

[shrineclown]

Uhhh, Mr. Penske, there is a very nice young man by the name of Reutimann who needs a ride. Have you heard of him?

[larryboy]

Originally Posted by shrineclown

Uhhh, Mr. Penske, there is a very nice young man by the name of Reutimann who needs a ride. Have you heard of him?

I like the Rooterman, but he is too dang nice. Penske drivers are traditionally aggressive idiots...aside from Donahue who was just plain cool.


This just in...Kurt Busch is officially done at Penske!!


Hmmm...Vickers to Penske?

[shrineclown]

Originally Posted by larryboy

I like the Rooterman, but he is too dang nice. Penske drivers are traditionally aggressive idiots...aside from Donahue who was just plain cool.


This just in...Kurt Busch is officially done at Penske!!


Hmmm...Vickers to Penske?

Jayski is saying Ragan.

[larryboy]

Originally Posted by shrineclown

Jayski is saying Ragan.

Probably so.

I think Vickers would be a good match for a second car for Robby Gordon. They both have the Redbull background and Robby really needs another car to be competetive as a team.

[shrineclown]

Originally Posted by larryboy

Probably so.

I think Vickers would be a good match for a second car for Robby Gordon. They both have the Redbull background and Robby really needs another car to be competetive as a team.

Robby needs money, and he has burned a lot of bridges in his wake. Do you think they could get it together?

[Motorcyclist]

As long as Hornish does not return. Great open wheel driver, not so great in a stock car.

Vickers and Reutimann have both had good equipment, but not set the world on fire with it. Same with Ragan. I'd rather see a young guy get promoted than recycle some veteran drivers.

Maybe Awesome Bill, Texas Terry or Kyle Petty are available?

[shrineclown]

Originally Posted by Motorcyclist

As long as Hornish does not return. Great open wheel driver, not so great in a stock car.

Vickers and Reutimann have both had good equipment, but not set the world on fire with it. Same with Ragan. I'd rather see a young guy get promoted than recycle some veteran drivers.

Maybe Awesome Bill, Texas Terry or Kyle Petty are available?

Hornish is going for the Nationwide championship, which is what they should have done long ago. Denker says that is not going to change. The problem is bringing up a young guy is they have one already and he is damn good. I think Jayski is right, Ragan is in for a year. If he does anything he may stay. Otherwise, they are going to survey the situation next fall. I bet Penske and Bowyer wish this timing were different. That would have been a nice fit. Plus, Pennzoil is going to want a well known name for their purposes.