AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNASCAR doesn’t need teamwork
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
This was considered a good day for Carl Edwards. He finished second in a Nextel Cup race and he didn’t come close to decking a teammate.
I dunno. I kind of liked last week better.
It’s not that one NASCAR driver pushing another and feigning like he is going to throw a haymaker — as Edwards did with Roush teammate Matt Kenseth, live on TV (and now YouTube) — elevates the sport to new heights. But it’s honest. And Edwards feuding with a teammate, as lame as some might find it, qualifies as some needed honesty in NASCAR.
Has there ever been a sport filled with more conflicts of interests?
For all of its economic success, NASCAR is forever wearing blinders. There are owners with multiple teams. There are drivers from “competing” teams drawing paychecks from the same owner seeking the same championship.
Worst of all, there is Jeff Gordon, who, in addition to driving his own car for Hendrick Motorsports, is co-owner of the car driven by Jimmie Johnson, who trails Gordon by a slim nine points in the Cup standings going into the season’s final three races.
“Listen, it would be fun if we all had separate owners, separate teams, everything,” Edwards said Sunday, standing by his motorhome-away-from-home after a second-place finish behind Johnson in the Pep Boys Auto 500 moved him into fourth in the points standings. “That would be kind of neat. But our sport’s not as simple as others.
“Hey, if last week’s events have proven one thing, it’s that things are not always rosy between teammates. There’s good and bad to it. It’s not like it’s always an advantage.”
No. But the fact that it ever can be an advantage, or that there’s the perception of a conflict, is problematic. Teammates can run interference for each other. They can swap leads in races so both can accumulate bonus points in the standings. They share information.
Nothing against Gordon, who is an honest competitor and I’m sure wasn’t happy that he finished seventh, and not first, Sunday. But I get the feeling he would’ve been a lot more upset if somebody other than his buddy — and employee — won.
Johnson won. So Gordon made money. There is something seriously wrong with that.
“If those guys beat us and did positive things to win the race, I’ll go give them high fives,” Gordon said.
Most drivers will tell you they don’t have a problem with this incestuous relationship.
Johnson defended the situation again after his win, saying: “I think there’s more drama that we have two teammates racing each other for the championship. It’s not like, ‘OK, you go, now I’ll go.’ We go after it.
“There’s a lot of respect Jeff has for people he races against, including me. If it was Tony Stewart or Kurt Busch that Jeff was racing against, it wouldn’t be any different. We’re really bringing out the best in one another and being forced to step up our game.”
But that misses the point. Teammates often share information with each other about things like track conditions. True competitors don’t share information.
Know what? Sometimes, true competitors sometime feel like punching each other.
Can you imagine George Steinbrenner owning both the Yankees and Red Sox, and the teams sharing scouting reports — then claiming all is kosher while they compete for the pennant? Why would you provide information to another team that might help them win — effectively increasing your chance to lose? Because it’s good for the “team”?
When Edwards said NASCAR is “more complex than other sports,” what he’s really saying is this is about money. “It’s cheaper for someone to add a second team than start a new one,” he said.
Owners want to build the best teams with the best drivers to draw the most sponsorship dollars. Do you believe Hendrick wants Johnson to take a risk on a pass or put Gordon into the wall in the name of winning?
Earlier in the week, Gordon admitted: “When you are on the track going for a pass, and you know how hard you have to push it, you think of them as teammates because you know that [Hendrick] is going to be really mad and you’re going to get a call if you wreck one another.”
It wasn’t a left hook. But at least it was honest.
Permalink | Comments (27) | Post your comment | Categories: Jeff Schultz
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By NASCARfan
October 28, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Jeff, this is exactly why NASCAR works. Come on man, you really have to get into what the fans feel, as opposed to how the drives themselves feel, because that’s what drives this sports, the fans.
Look, I hate Jimmy Johnson, with a passion. So does my friend Buck in Seattle. Yes, we know our favorite driver, Gordon, is friends with Johnson, but Johnson leaves many people cold because he such a prima donna @$$.
Think about next year. How will Chevrolet people who like Tony Stewart react when he’s racing Toyotas? How will the Idiot Junior fans react when Junior helps Gordon win a race?
These are the questions that make NASCAR the most interesting professional sport, soon to be the most popular now that the NFL has forsaken the US for the almighty dollar.
By Doug Cronkright
October 29, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Jeff: You have it exactly right. Ironically, this sport lost its biggest icon when the “3 car” was trying to protect the Daytona lead for his teammate, Michael Waltrip. Had they not been working together, but racing, Dale might well be alive and racing today.
But the constant appearance of conflict is a serious problem for me. Someone is getting paid - in given situations - to not beat someone else. Think the “Blacksox” did something like that. If it’s a “team sport” - lets have equal numbers on each side - and a draft. How would it work if the Bosox and Yanks got to play 9 players - but other teams could only field 3 or 4 - and they got to pick the best players…ooops - the already do. Maybe that’s a problem too.
By P.T. Barnum
October 29, 2007 5:37 AM | Link to this
You know how the saying goes….just like rasslin’.
By Grampus
October 29, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
I think we should find out what the driver’s wives have to say about it.
By Oneiron
October 29, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
It’s not “real” competition when there’s a conflict of interest. I lost interest in NASCAR when this team stuff became prevalent at the expense of the sport and the fan. Just like so many other pro sports, it’s all about the money - the heck with the fan.
By Douglas
October 29, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Today’s $ASCAR is a JOKE! A real big JOKE!
Anyone that spends money going to a $ASCAR “race” (wonder why they still call it racing?), needs their head examined!
Are people that bored with life?
By jim
October 29, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
I think there should be a limite on how many cars a owner should have. With this car of tommorro whos to say it wont be cheaper for them to put out blocker cars. We*ll be seeing a RollerBall type sprot at 200mph. One of the dumbest things I see is them letting the big boys race in the Bush. To me that is like a pro going and playing in the minors.
By Disgruntled Fan
October 29, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
I Love Racing, butI don’t like the fact that the top 35 in points don’t really have to race hard to make a race…only for there position…Feel bad for other teams that are trying to make the Nextel races with only a few spots to fill. Make ALL teams fight for the 43 spots!!! Also, the fact that the “big guys” race in the Busch races…yes I understand that it helps them with the Sunday race…but let the “little guys” have some fun too!!! Well, that will never happen though…
By John P
October 29, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
At this point if Jimmie shares any more info with Jeff than the weather he’s crazy. Sorry Jeff it’s war. Better (luck) next year.
By Sooner Junior Fan
October 29, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
I think there is a way to make the team thing a moot point once we get to the chase. If only the chase drivers were awarded a 20 or 25 point bonus for winning and the lead a lap and most laps led bonus were erased during the last 10 races the team thing and “big picture” racing would both be eliminated and we (the fans) would see some honest to God get up on the wheel fights for a true championship.
By SHARON
October 29, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
” TEAMWORK ” Other sports have TEAMWORK so what is wrong with NASCAR having shared teamwork like BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL, ECT: I love it and let the best TEAMS WIN ! Can’t wait until next year when the 88 joins Hendrick. GO HENDRICK TEAMS !!!!!!!!!
By Stui Reynolds
October 29, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
And, as per your inference, what isn’t honest about Gordon and Johnson?
What a sad, obvious and lame attempt at trying to stir up some controversy.
Sports news a bit dull this weekend was it?
Shame when supposed “trusted journalists” try reverting to “stirring something up”, as it’s easier than having to craft something worthwhile.
Last time I’ll bother with this board.
By Junior Johnson
October 29, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
WWE on wheels. Who gives a rat’s #$% about NA$CAR?
By Pam
October 29, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Mr. H. found a way of assuring that his 2 top teams can perform to highest level possible. Both the 24 and 48 teams have made a commitment to this philosophy and it’s working. Like it or not HMS has the two best drivers on the circuit right now and the sharing of information is proving very effective for them.
The two teams are pushing one another and thus have propelled themselves to the front. If other owners don’t jump on the “sharing” bandwagon (and enforce it) they’ll be left in the dust.
By Keith
October 29, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
Imagine that in Baseball the Yankees ,Red Sox ,Tigers and the Indians are owned by the same owner. When the Yankees need some help the Sox send a player over or they tank a few games to help them make the playoffs.Thats what Na$car has turned into. Racing is supposed to be you and your team against 43 other teams not the haves ganging up and kicking the crap out of the have nots. It has turned into tag team wrestling.
By Rip 'n Read
October 29, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
First of all let’s get one thing straight: NASCAR is not a sport. It is sports entertainment. Managed competition, manipulated finishes, constant rule changes and sponsor driven management do not make NASCAR a sport. If you believe that NASCAR is a sport and that the winner is always the fastest driver in the best car then you are living in a fantasy world. Get over it. NASCAR is professional wrestling with fenders.
By Trish
October 29, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Excellent comment Pam! I agree 100%
By Lacey
October 29, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Kind of missing the point there aren’t you? They share information because they want to win, and make the other competitors cry like little babies. Its working too they’re one two in points and Jack Roush has been in tears since Daytona.
If you have a problem with that you must of keeled over when Jr hopped in the 5 or when Kyle Petty hopped in the 20. Or when other teams lend out their flat-tire jacks.
Anyone who is not a pansy wants to beat the best at their best.
By jakesdad
October 29, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
let me make sure I’m following you:
it’s not fair that Hendrick has four cars and his top two cooperate (legally) because the top two of Roush’s FIVE can’t walk to their RVs w/o taking a swing at each other?
can you say “Chewbaca defense”?
you do make one valid point (shockingly) in that I can’t think of another sport where an active “player” would be allowed to have an equity stake in another team. that said, Jimmie would still be winning just as much as long as Hendrick hired him - Jeff’s just getting a nice perpetual commission off the deal…
By NCgirl
October 29, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Let’s get one thing straight…NASCAR is NOT like other sports…it’s the only major sport left in the United States in which I don’t have a problem with my child idolizing one of it’s most popular drivers…so let’s not compare oranges to a bunch of bad apples (NFL, MLB, NBA).
Secondly, why is there such an issue with Jeff and Jimmie (take notice the spelling, haters) getting along and sharing information? This Chase is shaping up to be the best one yet! Like Duane Cross at NASCAR.com observed this morning…
• Four-time champion vs. defending series champ! • Car owner vs. his own driver! • Teammate vs. teammate! • The past vs. the future!
I’ll add in one observation of my own…Jeff Gordon/Steve Letarte vs. Jimmie Johnson/Chad Knaus. Jeff Gordon is admittedly the greatest active driver…Steve is good, but not the best. Jimmie Johnson is good, darn good (with only 1 less win than Stewart in less time in the NNCS) but not the best…but the best active CC is sitting on HIS pit box each week…IMO, they balance each other out…may the best man win. The media needs to quit trying to stir up trouble that isn’t there and just let the guys race!
By Me
October 29, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
I’m so glad 1979 was my last year in NASCAR racing. This stuff now is embarrassing. I can just imagine what would have happened if somebody told Cale Yarbrough or David Pearson not to go for the win.
By NCgirl
October 29, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
Could we please stop comparing NASCAR of yesteryear to NASCAR of today? It just isn’t the same…never will be. Don’t get me wrong, Richard Petty was a great driver, but could he have won 200 times in today’s NASCAR with all it’s restrictions? Let’s face it, NASCAR isn’t perfect, but they’ve done their best to take out all the variables and find out just how good driver/team is.
By GWYates
October 29, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Throw the mudball at ‘em. I’m old school and want to see racing. This “team” concept is way out of hand. NASCAR recognized it when they made a limit on the number of teams an owner could have. Four was the wrong number. It should have been “one”.
By NASCRAP
October 29, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
What does it matter? NASCAR is not a sport anyway. Like it was said above … just like rasslin’.
By Pistol
October 29, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
The time is not ripe for the fan to demand a change in NASCAR. All the changes you see today are the result of the loss of one driver: Dale Earnhardt. Brian France would not have made these crazy changes if Dale were still here. The Chase, four cars per owner, are not what made NASCAR great. It was individuals who RACED not followed each other around a track, and raced hard to win. For MONEY? Hell, no, because they enjoyed it. Oh yeah, they won money, but not the megabucks that are around today. That is what has ruined this sport and will continue to ruin it. I know you have to have it to build and support your orginization, but the almighty dollar is the ruler of the sport, not the sport itself. Driving a race car! A STOCK CAR, as in National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing, NASCAR. There are NO stock cars on the tracks today, just identically prepared cars by different teams.
By Matt
October 29, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Pam had it exactly right. Furthermore, if Edwards and Kenseth had more teamwork, maybe they would still have a shot at the championship. You think it’s just by chance that the two HMS guys that share a garage are sitting at the top? I’ll tell you strait up Jeff, you tried to stir something up, but the griping stick you used to stir your hate-o-soup just broke off and sunk to the bottom of the pot. Go find a new recipe.
By nascarlady
October 29, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
One thing I don’t understand if some of you don’t like NASCAR why are you reading about it. Like it or not teamwork is where it is today, but if you don’t like racing you would not understand.