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StumblePublished Wednesday, July 8, 2009 | 1:59 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, July 8, 2009 | 2:05 p.m.
What has been a rumor for some time became reality on Tuesday when Martin Truex announced he will be leaving Earnhardt Ganassi Racing to drive for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2010.
Truex’s departure is another in a long list of setbacks for what was once Dale Earnhardt Inc. A merger, the loss of sponsors, the stewardship of Teresa Earnhardt, the economy and the loss of drivers, most notably Dale Earnhardt Jr., have all chipped away at the racing organization started by the late Dale Earnhardt. This is not the grand vision Earnhardt had for DEI.
Truex’s old teammate Mark Martin has been rejuvenated by his move away from what was DEI. Even Paul Menard has appeared on the radar screen a few times since he split for Yates Racing. But is this the right move for Truex? Is he just jumping from one mediocre team to another?
Truex contends that Michael Waltrip Racing is more stable than the Earnhardt Ganassi organization and that it has a better plan for the future. “For me, there was a lot less in question at Michael Waltrip Racing,” Truex said Tuesday.
I can see why he would think that given the current dilapidated state of General Motors and the recent reduction of its financial commitments to Chevrolet teams like Earnhardt Ganassi. Financial backing from the manufacturer isn’t as great a worry at the Toyota teams, at least not yet.
But is the performance level at Michael Waltrip’s organization much better than the performance level at Earnhardt Ganassi? Truex is currently 24th in the points standings and his teammate Juan Pablo Montoya is 11th. Michael Waltrip is currently in the 33rd position with teammates David Reutimann in 14th and Marcos Ambrose in the 18th spot. Truex and Montoya have a combined total of 11 top-10 finishes, as do Waltrip, Reutimann and Ambrose. Although Montoya is currently in the top 12 in points, Reutimann has one win and he and Abrose both have more top-fives than the Earnhardt Ganassi teams.
Based on these statistics, it doesn’t appear that Truex is moving to an organization that is vastly outperforming the Earnhardt Ganassi organization. Heck, if Montoya continues to perform the way he has so far this season, he could make the Chase.
Waltrip’s game plan for the future and the financial backing of Toyota probably have more to do with Truex’s decision. Oh, and there’s one more aspect to this move. Truex, his father and Michael Waltrip Motorsports are partners in a Camping World East Series team that Truex’s younger brother drives for.
In addition, with Truex leaving, what is the future for the gutted Earnhardt Ganassi organization?
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There’s been a lot of news coverage this week on the death of Robert McNamara, the former defense secretary and architect of the Vietnam War. But before developing a war at the Pentagon, McNamara, as a top executive for the Ford Motor Company, was instrumental in developing a product lineup for Ford. This recent New York Times story examines McNamara’s involvement in the birth of the Ford Falcon.
Moving to MWR isn't going to be much of a change.
For years I drove a 1961 Falcon wagon with the puny 170 engine. No power, except an electric tailgate window, which was still working properly when we finally sold it. Dependable, economical, easy to service, it carried a family and their toys anywhere.
Falcons continued to be built in Australia and especially Argentine, up until 1991, if I'm not mistaken.
I had hoped that the 2005 Ford Fairlane concept wagon would emerge as a clean, updated basic wagon, but instead it bloated into the Flex. Sorry, but I don't need a refrigerator in the back seat...
The Fairlane? Why Ford ever considered calling the Flex a Fairlane is beyond me. Sales probably would have been even worse with that name.
What does Mcnamara and the ford Falcon have to do with NASCAR? You guys sound like a bunch of old men sitting around talking about the "good old days."
Finally someone shut rocket-car up! Thanks.
Q:Why did Na$car make Martin Truex' car pee in a cup? A: because it was too high.
Congrats to old men Mark Martin and birthday boy Rick Hendrick! Keep giving your best.