We have all heard about Michael Waltrip and how he is negative in the point standings and how he currently sits in 46th place. Yes, Mike is in deep doo doo. But all that talk got me to thinking. Who else is in line for a turn to clean the outhouse?
The most surprising name is Paul Menard. Menard is currently 43rd in the points. Who would have thought this rookie in a Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI) car would be on this path? I mean, I thought anyone in a DEI car should be pretty much a shoo in to make the top 35 after 5 races. Right?
Apparently not.
Paul failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 putting himself in a deep hole. After the No. 15 Peak/Menards Chevrolet took the Green Flag for the second Duel race in 15th position, his dreams of racing in this year’s Daytona 500 ended when he finished fourth among 13 teams vying for two transfer positions. “It’s really frustrating,” Menard said. “There weren’t a whole lot of friends (out there), but we were in a good enough place to do it. We stayed out and we probably shouldn’t have but I got just really tight and didn’t really do anything.”
In Fontana, Menard finished a lap down, in 20th place, but at least his motor didn't blow up before the end of the race. That is another cause for concern. DEI team mates Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr. weren't as fortunate.
Speculation is that the engines blew as teams struggled with tuning them for the first use of unleaded fuel in Nextel Cup competition. Spark plugs are a concern. Teams may have ran their fuel too rich. Whatever, the problem DEI needs to correct it for all three of their drivers sakes.
But it will be especially critical for Menard who is a go or go home car for three more races. If he misses another race, he most assuredly will not be in the top 35 in owner points after the first five races. That could result in him struggling as a go or go home car all year. And Menard does not want to have to put up with that. Neither does DEI or PEAK or Q.
Not a good start to the year for DEI at all. Besides Menard being in 43rd, Dale Jr. is currently 40th in points, and Martin Truex Jr. is 38th. If the field was set by this year's points right now, all three DEI cars would have to race their way into the field. It's obvious now that Dale knew the team was headed in the wrong direction, and that's why he wants majority control.
Unrelated side note: Michael Waltrip currently has -27 championship points. Let's see how long it takes him to get back to positive numbers.
Last edited by The_Return_of_Manrub on February 27th at 6:46 AM.
if i was menard i wouldn't be worried. his major sponsor is his dad. I think paul is a good driver, but if it wasn't for a rich father i am not sure he would be where he is today. he always seems to have his own name down the side of his car. so i am sure DEI won't fire him and risk losing his dads sponsor dollars.
YOU ARE RIGHT ABOUT THE MONEY THE MANARDS HAVE BROUGHT WITH THEM.ANY OTHER DRIVER LIKE PAUL WOULD BE WACTHING FROM THE OUTSIDE.
MONEY MONEY MONEY
TO BAD. THAT IS RUINING NASCAR.
LET SOME YOUNG DRIVER THAT STARTED ON THE SHORT TRACKS AND YOU WOULD HAVE A BETTER DRIVER
Nice post Falcons. I heard it mentioned that there would be a desperate tear-down of Menard's car to see what kept him going. What is your true gut feeling about Theresa? Do you think she holds back better success?
I hadn't heard that. Thanks for adding the info to the blog.
Teresa,
You know, management is tough, but as I understand it she was a big part of Dales successful marketing strategy, so I wouldn't say she doesn't know what she is doing. It's a tough competitive business with some really sharp minds in it.
Last edited by 14Falcons on February 27th at 5:28 PM.
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