NASCAR got points swap wrong: Reutimann out on a limb

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

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The sky is falling. NASCAR hates Toyota. Whatever you want to build into a conspiracy. I won’t, but feel free to have at it.

It’s now official, the bullshit flag now raised. The following decision by NASCAR stinks to high heaven.

NASCAR has denied the request of Michael Waltrip Racing to switch Owners Points from the #00 Dream Machine to the #44 UPS Toyota Camry.

Why would MWR want to do that anyway? If you don’t know by now, David Reutimann has taken over the wheel of the #44 effective at the conclusion of Bristol two weeks ago. He replaces Dale Jarrett, who now enters “retirement” and moves into the broadcast booth for ESPN. DJ will run the All-Star race in May as his final event.

This being the case, David Reutimann had earned a 27th spot thus far in the 2008 Owners Points, while Dale Jarrett was 34th. With rookie Michael McDowell taking over the #00, Michael Waltrip Racing wanted to allow David to keep what he had earned for Owners Points thus far this season, giving the rookie McDowell the left overs.

Honestly, that makes more sense then being handed points on a silver platter. I shall now cough while saying a name who has manipulated the Owners Points recently.

David Reutimann earned his points for the Owners Standings, and allowing him to keep them would be the right thing to do. However, NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series Director, John Darby, says that, “point swaps typically are granted only when there is a change in a business function or when an owner is trying to reorganize during the offseason.”

Or if you want to manipulate the system to get a driver into the points to make a race, should be added to that statement.

So you can take points from your top car and give it to the new guy, but you can’t allow for a driver who earned his way to keep them when a number change is initiated within the organization.

The one time where a point swap within the same organization makes sense, and isn’t abusing the system, and NASCAR gets it wrong.

It wouldn’t matter who it is. Under these circumstances a points swap is not only logical, but honorable. However, it seems that honor isn’t something on NASCAR’s mind with this decision.

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Filed Under: David Reutimann, Drivers, Martinsville, Michael Waltrip Racing #00, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Nascar, Sprint Cup, Teams, Tracks

Tagged As: David Reutimann, Michael McDowell, Michael Waltrip Racing, MWR, Top-35, UPS



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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Thursday February 21, 2008
9:39pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

Just when you thought things were looking up at Michael Waltrip Racing, one of the biggest blows to their fortune comes via a new regulations at UPS.

As you all are most certainly aware, the prices of fuel have increased dramatically. This trickles down to even the lowest cost denominator. Those tomatoes have to get to your local grocery somehow, right?

While less serious than a case of mesothelioma, or needing a DUI attorney, the car insurance quotes for the #44 UPS Toyota Camry just may be going up.

Think I’m losing it? Been hanging around Marc a bit much? Nope, not a tin foil hat in this post.
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Filed Under: Dale Jarrett, David Reutimann, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Nascar, Sprint Cup, Teams

Tagged As: Dale Jarrett, David Reutimann, No Left Turns, Toyota Camry, UPS



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By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Wednesday January 9, 2008
12:07pm CST
Published on Thunder Lounge.

David Reutimann

• 2007 Stats

  • Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
  • Car Number: 00
  • Crew Chief: Frank Kerr
  • Sponsor: Domino’s/Burger King
  • Points: 39th :: 1878 :: -4845
  • Starts: 26
  • Poles: 0
  • Wins: 0
  • Top 5’s: 0
  • Top 10’s: 0
  • Winnings: $2,376,250

• 2008 Preview

  • Organization: Michael Waltrip Racing
  • Car Number: 00/44
  • Crew Chief: Ryan Pemberton
  • Sponsor: Aaron’s/UPS
  • Note: Will take over the #44 at MWR after race 5.

Well, after one heck of a hard talking to with the fence at California, 2007 did begin to improve for David Reutimann. Although that improvement came slowly at first.

Beak made 26 of the 36 races on speed, and was the top performer at Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007. Initially his 2008 status was in limbo, with sponsorship being negotiated, until a moment of clarity arised and Michael Waltrip presented him with a new contract. What took place was Dale Jarrett stepping aside after race 5 this upcoming season, and UPS finding a new friend in David Reutimann.

It’s going to be a marketing winner as the brand builds, and you heard it here first. As a side note, David pitched back the intial contract from MWR as he was highly dedicated to again running the entire Busch Nationwide Series in 2008. Mikey made it happen, and Beak will be contending for the 2008 title on Saturday’s at a track near you.

Note: information is accurate as of date published. Check Thunder Lounge for additional updates and information.

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Filed Under: David Reutimann, Drivers, Michael Waltrip Racing #00, Michael Waltrip Racing #44, Nascar, Nextel Cup, Sprint Cup, Teams

Tagged As: David Reutimann, UPS



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