Casey Mears vs Ganassi Racing
Tuesday, June 13th, 2006 3:54pm CDT
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
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[thumb:178:l:s=1:l=x]Since Casey Mears announced that he will be departing Ganassi at the end of the season his head has been on more than one person’s platter. On the flip side, he’s also been on many a person’s “A” list as well.
After reading a multitude of opinions on Casey and his decision to move on at the end of the season, there is an unfortunate theme that keeps reappearing. It takes a few slightly different forms, but in essence they are all the same. Casey Mears is a lying, back-stabbing, no good son of a gun.
They’re logic is simplistic at best. Casey said he would like to remain at Ganassi if an acceptable deal could be reached, and now he is bolting for greener pastures on the other side of the fence.
When Casey made that statement a few months ago, at the time it was true. Then again, things change. The circumstances surrounding this played out in the media with first Vickers announcing that he would be on the market for next season, followed the next day with Mears’ announcement that he would not be returning to Ganassi. Granted, this may be purely a coincidence, but the timing amongst other things happen to have the rumor mill pretty much convinced that Casey will be at Hendrick next season. There are also a few rumors running rampant that the change may come as early as Daytona next month. While from a team-building standpoint it would make complete sense, both driver’s have sponsorship commitments to adhere to. It doesn’t appear likely that either one would be able to bow out of the show that soon.
When it comes down to it, Casey made the decision that was best for him in the situation.
On one hand, you have Ganassi. They’ve been struggling for years, and their last win came at Charlotte with Jamie subbing for Sterling.
On the other hand, you have Hendrick. How many wins has that organization had in the same time frame? Granted everyone has their ups and downs, but on a steady basis Hendrick is in constant contention. Of course the 25 team has struggled recently. In reality it appears to not be from a lack of effort, but from a lack of chemistry. This includes communication as well. In the end, sometimes things just don’t work out.
Was it for the money? For the fame? No, contrary to popular belief amongst those who are quick to judge. In either situation Casey was going to be paid a handsome salary. One might differ from the other, but even the lowest bid would have any one of the critics leaving their place of employment for another job quicker than you can say “would you be interested”.
Driver’s aren’t out to be money hungry monsters. The vast majority are as down to earth as you or I, but they just happen to have one hell of a cool job. It’s a bonus that it happens to pay very well.
Casey didn’t do it for the money, neither did Vickers. It’s all about the hardware. Right now, neither of which has anything from a win at the Cup level. No monster, no boot, nothing. They’ve done what they needed to as a last resort. Both are exceptionally talented driver’s, and very marketable as well. Despite the lack of wins. When the internal options run out, it’s time to move on and try again.
To the critics, there’s only one thing they should focus on. And that is to never judge another human being until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.
Filed Under: Nascar, Nextel Cup
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Very well thought out post.
And truth be told, the way McMurray was hung out to dry last year by Ganassi by refusing to release him may have had a part in Mears’ decision.
And BTW, the latest rumor I have seen is the IRL’s Casey Weldon moving to Ganassi’s #42 in Cup. Somehow I doubt it, but one never says never.
Marc said this on June 13th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
I’ve seen the Dan Wheldon rumor as well, and seen it denied too. So who knows? Personally, I think Ganassi would be nuts to jump a driver from open wheel straight to Cup. Not because Dan isn’t talented, or another open wheel driver isn’t talented, but the cars are flat out different and there is a learning curve. There is an occasional exception, but the odds are stacked heavily against.
For Ganassi, I’m not sure where the problem lies. It’s simple to sit out here and say “Dude, you’re screwing up.”
But at the same time, with the exception of Evernham, it seems if you’re running a Dodge that you’re struggling.
Penske isn’t exactly at the top of their game, and Petty is just now starting to get the thing figured out a bit.
Bill Davis is struggling too, but then again that’s their own fault. They’ve simply been trying to hang on and operate until Toyota came to dance, so they could finally get some factory support. Sure they could have switched to another manufacturer when they ran into the trouble with dode a couple years ago, but realistically what manufacturer is going to help you when they know you’re going to jump ship to a competitor at first chance?
Whether BDR can pull their act together once they get some support is anyone’s guess. However, if they also closed their doors I wouldn’t be crying. Once Bill Davis blamed performance squarely on Ward Burton to CAT, my respect for the operation was lost.
Luke said this on June 13th, 2006 at 9:18 pm
Who could blame Mears from leaving?? It makes perfect since in two reason!! Look at how they have treated past drivers such as Sterlin and McMurray. Reason #2, Hendrick is a better all around team from cars to personel. And they take care of their people.
Tim said this on June 19th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
Exactly, which is why it is so curious to see Brian leave the organization. Rick would have stood by him through thick and thin, as long as you’re one of the family.
One rumor you definitely won’t hear is Jeff or Jimmy is struggling, rumored to be headed to [insert team here].
I mean, Rick would do whatever it takes to make it right for Brian. Which I guess stands true, even in this case. It was best for the team and Brian to part, so Rick made it possible.
Definitely a tough call, and one I wouldn’t want to make. But sometimes the personal side of it has to be put to bed for a minute, so that the most sound business decision can be made.
Luke said this on June 19th, 2006 at 12:12 pm