CONFIRMED: Dale Jarrett Leaving Robert Yates Racing
Saturday, May 13th, 2006 5:34pm EDT
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
[thumb:348:r:s=1:l=x]Well, this one had to sink in for a few hours. So this isn’t hot off the press. In a live television press announcement earlier today, Michael Waltrip announced that Dale Jarrett has indeed signed to be a part of Michael Waltrip Racing in one of the new Toyota Camry’s starting in 2007. Dale Jarrett has expressed that he only wants to drive through 2008, and it extremely excited about the opportunity to be a part of starting the new organization and team.
“We’re obviously not happy Dale is leaving Robert Yates Racing because he’s been a champion and a great ambassador for Ford fans,” said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. “We understand his decision, but we are disappointed.”
Doug Yates, RYR co-owner, expressed his commitment to the #88 team, UPS, and Ford in finishing out the season as strong as possible.
It was not mentioned whether UPS will follow Jarrett to MWR, but Michael Waltrip did say that he already has sponsorship lined up for both teams MWR will field next year. The sponsorships that are currently lined up extend beyond the 2008 season, and Michael mentioned that UPS was not part of the current package. However it also wasn’t said that they couldn’t be part of it in the near future, either. What is most likely going on with that end is UPS is weighing its options. Do they stick with Dale, knowing he is only going to drive two more years, or do they go ahead and begin building on a new platform with a different driver now? Also to be considered, is their current contract with RYR. While we don’t know the details of it, it would be reasonable to assume that there is the possibility that it may extend past this year. Of course at the same time, it’s also possible that there is a clause that leaves them an out if the driver changes. So, those are some examples of possibilities that could be going through the UPS food-chain at the moment. Also to consider, is the strong branding they have already built with Dale Jarrett. I say “race the truck”, and where does you mind instantly go? Exactly the point.
What implications does this have though? Reports have rumored for weeks that it’s all about the money, but those are now put out to pasture with the information released that RYR did match the deal given by MWR for Jarrett. So the money is equal, what’s left?
Simple. Dale Jarrett has the chance to not only be one of the founders of a new team, and build it from scratch, he also has the opportunity to part of something greater than himself. The chance to be on the ground level of building an organization with a new manufacturer. The effects of which will last for a long time. It also provides a change of scenery, and a chance to help an old friend. In all practicality, the timing couldn’t be better.
This is a big domino in an already rolling Silly Season. It’s now in full swing, and this will only be the first of several announcements that are sure to have big impacts on who is where next year.
Anybody have any thoughts to add on this? I’m a little surprised, but then again I’m not. If you look at it from DJ’s shoes, it makes sense for him. I’m sure it was a tough decision, and it was obviously not taken lightly.
So, now who’s going in the #88 next year? Casey Mears’ name has already been through the rumor mill for it, but mainly I believe because his contract is up with Chip this year. So, who knows. We’ll see what happens when it happens.
Filed Under: Nascar, Nextel Cup
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