The Hot Seat

By Dawg Chapman



Unless you're like the guy in the insurance commercial, & live under a rock.
Just why this guy would need insurance always puzzled me, but you get
the idea.

Then you know that as of this writing, a winning Cup seat just become
available, on very short notice. This came about because of a mutual
agreement between Penske, Shell, & Kurt Busch. This strikes me as pretty
significant, because it's probably the only time Bush has been agreeable the
entire season. In a few short months, I'm going to agree to pay my taxes.
It's pretty much the same deal, I expect.

This has to be considers a real serendipitous stroke of luck. Just when some
name drivers had pretty much given up hope of landing a quality ride for 2012,
& were sifting through the available rides. Looking, I'm sure for something
that offered a glimmer of turning into something more than another year of
just hanging on in Cup.

The names most often mentioned are David Reagan, Brian Vickers, David
Reutimann, & Sam Hornish Jr. It's a shame that Clint Bowyer had settled for a seat owned by in his words, "the worst driver in NASCAR." Hmmm, I wonder if there's anything like the "10 second rule" applying to NASCAR contracts? Maybe it could be annulled like a marriage that was never consummated. I really like Clint, but I'll
be unable to pull for him as long as he's driving for Super Shill, but I digress.

One thing that I noticed, was that Elliott Sadler's name was never
mentioned.

I do have a few fantasy picks, & I'm sure you probably do too.

I'd love to see Bobby Labonte, in a good car again. This isn't a put down
of the 47, but as a single car team, they have lots of room for improvement.
Getting out from under Super Shill's umbrella is a good first step, but there's
a lot more steps to be taken before they get to where they want to be. I doubt
Bobby's got time to make the trip. Terry got a similar chance with Hendrick,
late in his career & picked up a second Championship, as a result. Who knows,
maybe lightning could strike twice?

Another good choice, & my personal favorite, would be Robby Gordon.
After 6 Busch years, (sort of like dog years) having Robby on board,
would seem a lot less difficult. Robby's been plowing pretty rocky ground
the last couple of years, & might have a different outlook on being a
little more of an organization man now.

One spot that's empty in Robby's crowded trophy case is for the Indy 500.
If an Indy seat were part of the deal. This could be the perfect win, win
situation for all involved. Another plus that Robby could bring, would be
a ton of very loyal, hard core fans. Way more than any of the other drivers
being considered.

It's no secret, that I think Dave Blaney has been on the short end of
the stick, his NASCAR entire career. I'd dearly love to see what he
could do in a top ride. Again, no disrespect to the 36. I'm happy that
Dave's got a full time ride, that is actually able to race, but...well, you
know.

At this time, it looks like David Ragan his the inside track on the ride,
& of the drivers most mentioned, he's probably the best choice.
One thing is certain, he'll never embarrass the organization, or the
sponsor the way Kurt did.

Whoever ends up in the seat next season, is going to find it a
"hot seat." They're not going to measure up to the criteria that
Shell wants in a driver, so it's sounding like they will be on a one
year contract.

When you consider the alternatives, any driver that's offered the ride,
will jump at the deal. But they need to consider it a year long try out,
& a year like they had this year won't cut it.

Another driver who's in a pretty hot seat, would be Kyle.
I really think both of the Busch Brats should be looking for work
now, but neither his sponsor, or owner was willing to take that
step.....Yet.

I've said several times that "I don't see Kyle as a candy salesman."
One more embarrassing temper tantrum, & Mars/M & M may well
come to the same conclusion.

You can conact Dawg HERE

Time for Somebody to Lend a Helping Hand

There’s an old saying about charity beginning at home. And that’s what needs to be happening right now in NASCAR. We’ve got some racing greats who gave their all for the sport of stock car racing who are having some hard times getting medical care, paying the doctors’ bills, and meeting their everyday needs.
　
Recently, we found out that former racing great Fred Lorenzen was living in a nursing home as a result of his Alzheimer’s and that he was forgetting things, is beginning to forget names, was getting injured from falls at home, and that he pretty much wasn’t able to take care of himself. This is a far cry from the Golden Boy who wheeled his #28 Holman-Moody Ford around the track and winning. Fred gave his all for stock car racing and for the NASCAR under Bill France Sr. And how is Fred and his family being repaid by the France family for the sacrifices he made? They’re not. The Frances continue to hide behind the “independent contractor” clause. Despite the fact that NASCAR has a multi-million dollar charity which could easily assist Fred, it doesn’t. There are also a number of drivers who have charities who could step up and help Fred out. But they don’t.
　
Two time Busch Series champion Sam Ard was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson‘s Diseases several years ago. Sam and his wife Jo had to sell off Sam’s trophies, Martinsville clocks, championship rings, and other valuable memorabilia to try to keep up with the staggering medical bills of both Sam’s diseases and Jo’s blindness. The Old Timers Racing Club, through their Medical Hardship Fund, has been holding the Legends Helping Legends Fundraisers to assist drivers like Sam and other racing folks from the glory days of NASCAR. I attend them and was at the one they held for Sam. Racing greats like Rex White, Ned Jarrett, Bobby Allison, and others turned out to sign autographs for the fundraising event. All of those drivers, who like Sam, have no sort of medical help or pension fund to fall back on because of NASCAR’s continued hiding behind the “independent contractors” clause.
　
Both Mr. Happy and Dale Jr. stepped up and made donations to Sam’s care. Mr. Happy donated a van which was used in one of the Shell commercials he was in. The shocker was when Kyle Busch donated $100,000 to help with Sam’s care. Still, this is only 3 high profile drivers out of a how many? And where is NASCAR and the Frances in all of this? Neither the Frances, NASCAR, nor their “foundation” have donated a penny. There was a fundraiser at Richmond which raised $36,000 to help the Ard family out which had some fancy PR spin put on it to make it appear it was NASCAR making the donations but it wasn’t. For a supposed charity which pulls in untold millions and only donates $9 million to various charities, all of which benefit NASCAR and/or the France family either directly or indirectly, not to donate to former greats like Sam who helped put NASCAR on the map is almost criminal. All it takes is adding one sentence to the charter or rules to make it happen.
　
And what about all the high profile drivers who were shocked by Busch’s donation? What happened to the one-upmanship that drivers of old use to engage in? Drivers not wanting to be bested by their competitors? We didn’t see any of Busch’s vocal rivals step up and match his donation or try to beat it. Only Mr happy and Dale Jr. stepped up.
　
And what about Sam’s current condition? This is from a friend of the Ard family:
　
Sam is now a totally bed-ridden invalid. He is cared for at home by his wife 24/7. His request was and still is not to be placed in a nursing home.

It has been draining physically, emotionally, and financially. They are in desperate need of help at this time.
　
As you can see, Sam’s condition isn’t improving and the physical, mental, emotional, and financial drain on the family is still there. I know the toll it can take as I’m taking care of someone who was has been suffering with a seizure disorder for over 3 years.
　
Right now, Jo spends app. $300.00 a month for items which the VA does not provide. She struggles and juggles to make ends meet each month on his social security check. Any help would be appreciated, even gift cards to places like Walmart and grocery stores. There is a hole in her roof which she can't afford to have repaired. She is in need of a cooking stove, washer and dryer as theirs are about shot.　

If this isn’t the perfect opportunity for Lowe’s or Home Depot to step up and help them out, I don’t know what is.

And how much did the Frances pay towards Bobby Allison's medical bills from his terrifying crash at Pocono that nearly took his life? Zip. It took Bobby over 20 years to pay those medical bills off. It would've taken the France family one check to pay off Bobby's medical bills. But no, they preferred to hide behind the "independent contractor" clause.

So, here’s what I’d like to see happen. I know the folks from NASCAR are reading this along with some team PR and marketing people. Get off your duffs. Set up a charity to help out drivers and other folks who were in the racing business who need medical assistance or help with their medical bills or their medical care. NASCAR, ISC, and SMI could have a “Sam Ard Day” at one of their tracks and take the ticket money and donate it to help Sam out. Or they could take 10% of their ticket sales for all NASCAR events and donate it to the Racing Legends Medical Hardship Fund since it already exists. You team PR and marketing people, hit your drivers, team owners, and sponsors up for donations and services that they can provide to help these ailing former greats. Home Depot and Lowe’s could donate materials and personnel to help make houses wheelchair accessible or makes repairs that are sorely needed or donate things like washers, dryers, stoves, ovens, or fridges. The Big 3 could donate vans that are configured to transport a wheelchair-bound person. UPS and FedEx could ship medical supplies and medications to these ailing folks for free. Drivers could donate 10% of their race earnings or souvenir sales for the year to help out. If a driver got the testicular fortitude, he could donate his entire race winnings to help out. Team owners could pass the hat in their shops for donations or make their own donations separate from that of the teams and drivers. The ones who own vehicle dealerships could even help out by doing what I suggested the Big 3 do. Or they could modify a vehicle to be donated.
　
And how about some of you TV network people? How about donating some airtime to promote fundraisers like the Legends Helping Legends Fundraiser events? Or even send a camera crew out there to cover them? Speed’s got the personnel to do it and it’s just up the road in Mooresville. Or blocking off a day and instead of showing those fluff and reality shows that few people watch, how about running a telethon to raise funds? This would be the perfect event to put the Motormouth Brothers to work. Have them shill for the fundraisers like they do for everyone else that owns or sponsors them. You could get some current drivers in there to help out or answer the phones and get some former greats like Buddy Baker, Rex White, Junior Johnson, and others to tell some stories about the good old days of racing and get their opinions on the current state of the sport. Get Wanda Lund on there to talk about some of her recipes and some of her stories about her husband Tiny and some of the other racing greats. It could be a fundraiser and a history lesson in one.
　
And why should the current day drivers and crewmembers get involved with something like this? Because if it wasn’t for the likes of Sam Ard, Suitcase Jake, Rex White, James Hylton, and others, there wouldn’t be a NASCAR or a job for them. These folks pioneered the way for them to be able to do what they do today. They kept NASCAR from going under when it looked like it was going to fold several times. Think about James Hylton. He got his start as a crewmember on Rex White’s team before he became a racer and was the 1966 ROY. Rex was a pioneer of using jackscrews and using camber to turn the cars. He wasn’t just a racer, he was also a mechanical genius. Rex got his start turning wrenches for Frankie Schneider. Suitcase Jake was probably one of the most famous names in the garage outside of the drivers because of his mechanical and crew chief abilities and for his moving from team to team.
　
Think about today’s drivers. How many of them have come up through the ranks of being a mechanic first? How many crew chiefs started out working for free on somebody’s car as part of a volunteer crew? Or how about some of the great practical jokes that were played like those done by Curtis Turner, Joe Weatherly, and Tiny Lund? These are the things which took a regional racing series and turned it into a national brand name. These are the people who worked 2-3 jobs and sacrificed so much to be able to have a racing career. If not for these folks, today’s drivers would still be running in some lower level racing series trying to scrape together a couple of bucks to buy tires, parts, or gasoline to run their next race. Just like these racing pioneers had to do. So maybe it’s time for these big buck, high profile racing folks to remember these former greats and help them out since the sanctioning body that they sacrificed everything for won’t. After all, these drivers, team owners, and crewmembers wouldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for the likes of Sam Ard, James Hylton, Rex White, Suitcase Jake, Junior Johnson, and others too numerous to name from the history of the sport.
　

Exclusivity Agreement

In the past, I’ve written about how the exclusivity deals have kept the teams from getting certain sponsors like telecommunications companies, gasoline companies, and tire companies as sponsors. What I have done is to include a copy from 2009 owner’s document that I found on-line which spells out the exclusivity deals. You’ll notice that even though there is nothing about manufacturers of telecommunications devices in the exclusivity agreement, companies like Motorola, LG, Apple, Blackberry, you have to go to Section 13 to find out just what all is prohibited as far as a telecommunications device. Basically, even a cheap $5 walkie-talkie is prohibited.

And who makes the final determination on whether or not a product doesn’t meet the exclusivity agreement? Well, it’s supposedly NA$CAR but as we saw a couple of years back when Robby Gordon ran Motorola as a sponsor on his car, the Cup Series sponsor raised heck about it and Robby was restricted solely to running the company logo and not any graphics of Motorola’s actual products which range from cell phones to military communications equipment.

And remember what happened to RCR and Mr. Happy when Shell came on board as a sponsor? Once again, it was supposedly NA$CAR who had them change the size of the decals on the car but we know better than that. It was the official fuel provider who caused the actual changes with NA$CAR acting as the hatchet man.

This is a bit long, so my apologies for that, but it is what was on a 2009 Team Owner's Contract. So go ahead and read why the teams are so restricted on finding sponsors.

　
(a} Sprint Exclusivity. I agree that, in addition to the advertising and promotional rights granted in Section 2, when participating in any way in any 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event or any advertising and promotion using my name, likeness, or based on my participation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by NASCAR, no product, brand, logo. trademark. or service identification of a company in the Telecommunications Category (as defined in Section 13 below) and as determined in NASCAR's sole discretion, will be used or displayed anywhere by me. the team, or any employee or affiliate thereof, including, but not limited to, on the driver's or crew member’ NASCAR Sprint Cup Series uniforms, or the car owner's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing car, as well as the team's equipment, and/or haulers.

I understand and agree that NASCAR may, in its sole discretion, refuse to permit or limit the use or display of a product, brand, logo, trademark. or service identification of a company in the Telecommunications Category, including, but not limited to, on the driver's or crew members' uniforms, or the car owner's racing car, the team's equipment, and/or haulers. I understand and agree that all determinations of whether a company is in the Telecommunications Category shall be made by NASCAR at its sole discretion and are final and non-litigable.Sprint Exclusivity.

I agree that, in addition to the advertising and promotional rights granted in Section 2, when participating in any way in any 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event or any advertising and promotion using my name, likeness, or based on my participation in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by NASCAR, no product, brand, logo. trademark. or service identification of a company in the Telecommunications Category (as defined in Section 13 below) and as determined in NASCAR's sole discretion, will be used or displayed anywhere by me. the team, or any employee or affiliate thereof, including, but not limited to, on the driver's or crew member’ NASCAR Sprint Cup Series uniforms, or the car owner's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing car, as well as the team's equipment, and/or haulers. I understand and agree that NASCAR may, in its sole discretion, refuse to permit or limit the use or display of a product, brand, logo, trademark. or service identification of a company in the Telecommunications Category, including, but not limited to, on the driver's or crew members' uniforms, or the car owner's racing car, the team's equipment, and/or haulers.

I understand and agree that all determinations of whether a company is in the Telecommunications Category shall be made by NASCAR at its sole discretion and are final and non-litigable.

(b} Goodyear Exclusivity. I agree that when participating in any way in any 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by NASCAR, no product, brand, logo, trademark, or service identification of a company in the Tire Category (as defined in Section 13 below) and as determined in NASCAR's sole discretion, will be used or displayed anywhere by me, the team, or any employee or affiliate thereof during the Event, including, but not limited to, on the driver's or crew members' uniforms, or the car owner's racing car, the team's equipment, and/or haulers.Goodyear Exclusivity.

I agree that when participating in any way in any 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event, unless otherwise expressly authorized in writing by NASCAR, no product, brand, logo, trademark, or service identification of a company in the Tire Category (as defined in Section 13 below) and as determined in NASCAR's sole discretion, will be used or displayed anywhere by me, the team, or any employee or affiliate thereof during the Event, including, but not limited to, on the driver's or crew members' uniforms, or the car owner's racing car, the team's equipment, and/or haulers.

I agree that no team member, including, but not limited to, the driver and car owner, may advertise or promote a product, brand, logo, trademark. or service identification of a company in the Tire Category, whether in conjunction with a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event or not, if said advertising or promotion includes a NASCAR racing (e.g., driver, crew member) suit, whether worn by the team member or not, and/or a NASCAR or NASCAR-style racing vehicle.

I understand and agree that NASCAR may, in its sole discretion, refuse to permit or limit the use or display of a product, brand, logo, trademark or since identification of a company in the Tire Category by me, the team, or any employee or any affiliate thereof during the Event, including, but not limited to the driver's or crew members' uniforms, or the car owner's racing car. the team's equipment, and/or haulers.

I understand and agree that all determinations of whether a company is in the Tire Category shall be made by NASCAR in its sole discretion and are final and non-litigable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, actual use of tires other than Goodyear on team equipment other than the racing car (e.g., pit carts and haulers) shall not be considered a breach of the terms of this Agreement.no team member, including, but not limited to, the driver and ear owner, may advertise or promote a product, brand, logo, trademark. or service identification of a company in the Tire Category, whether in conjunction with a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event or not, if said advertising or promotion includes a NASCAR racing (e.g., driver, crew member) suit, whether worn by the team member or not, and/or a NASCAR or NASCAR-style racing vehicle.

I understand and agree that NASCAR may, in its sole discretion, refuse to permit or limit the use or display of a product, brand, logo, trademark or since identification of a company in the Tire Category by me, the team, or any employee or any affiliate thereof during the Event, including, but not limited to the driver's or crew members' uniforms, or the car owner's racing car. the team's equipment, and/or haulers.

I understand and agree that all determinations of whether a company is in the Tire Category shall be made by NASCAR in its sole discretion and are final and non-litigable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, actual use of tires other than Goodyear on team equipment other than the racing car (e.g., pit carts and haulers) shall not be considered a breach of the terms of this Agreement.agree that NASCAR may, in its sole discretion, refuse to permit or limit the use or display of a product, brand, logo, trademark or since identification of a company in the Tire Category by me, the team, or any employee or any affiliate thereof during the Event, including, but not limited to the driver's or crew members' uniforms, or the car owner's racing car. the team's equipment, and/or haulers.

I understand and agree that all determinations of whether a company is in the Tire Category shall be made by NASCAR in its sole discretion and are final and non-litigable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, actual use of tires other than Goodyear on team equipment other than the racing car (e.g., pit carts and haulers) shall not be considered a breach of the terms of this Agreement.


(c) Sunoco Exclusivity. I also agree that no company in the Fuel Category (as defined in Section 13 below) shall be permitted to sponsor a car, driver, or team for any product in the Fuel Category. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a company in the Fuel Category may also manufacture lubricants (i.e., motor oil, etc.) and products other than automotive fuel (collectively "Non-Fuel Products"). Companies in the Fuel Category may sponsor a car, driver, or team for any Non-Fuel product provided that the team's racing car must primarily feature the product, brand. logo, trademark or service identification of the Non-Fuel Product. Specifically, any and all Non-Fuel Product branding must appear in a visually dominant manner comprising at least 2/3 of such lnnding on the racing car in conjunction with any corporate fuel company name comprising no more than 1/3 of such branding on the racing car. These branding ratios also apply to the driver's and crew members' uniforms, the car owner's racing car, the team's equipment, and/or hauler and any other at-track branding.

I agree that no team member, including, but not limited to, the driver and owner, may advertise or promote a product, brand, logo, trademark or service identification of a company in the Fuel Category, whether in conjunction with a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event or not, if said advertising or promotion includes any NASCAR Series branded racing (e.g., driver, crew member) suit, whether worn by the team member or not, and/or a NASCAR branded or NASCAR-style racing vehicle. I understand and agree that all determinations of whether a company is in Fuel Category or the branding ratios comply with this provision, shall be made by NASCAR in its sole discretion and are final and non-litigable.

I also agree that no company in the Fuel Category (as defined in Section 13 below) shall be permitted to sponsor a car, driver, or team for any product in the Fuel Category. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a company in the Fuel Category may also manufacture lubricants (i.e., motor oil, etc.) and products other than automotive fuel (collectively "Non-Fuel Products"). Companies in the Fuel Category may sponsor a car, driver, or team for any Non-Fuel product provided that the team's racing car must primarily feature the product, brand. logo, trademark or service identification of the Non-Fuel Product. Specifically, any and all Non-Fuel Product branding must appear in a visually dominant manner comprising at least 2/3 of such lnnding on the racing car in conjunction with any corporate fuel company name comprising no more than 1/3 of such branding on the racing car. These branding ratios also apply to the driver's and crew members' uniforms, the car owner's racing car, the team's equipment, and/or hauler and any other at-track branding.

I agree that no team member, including, but not limited to, the driver and owner, may advertise or promote a product, brand, logo, trademark or service identification of a company in the Fuel Category, whether in conjunction with a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Event or not, if said advertising or promotion includes any NASCAR Series branded racing (e.g., driver, crew member) suit, whether worn by the team member or not, and/or a NASCAR branded or NASCAR-style racing vehicle.

I understand and agree that all determinations of whether a company is in Fuel Category or the branding ratios comply with this provision, shall be made by NASCAR in its sole discretion and are final and non-litigable.