Ok, I've heard so much bashing of Robert
and Doug Yates because of their lack of recent success from many
so-called 'NASCAR columnists' that I'm about to explode! Yet not
one has offered any possible solutions other than RYR selling
out. The fact that the fabled Wood Brothers team may become
history after this season has raised nary a ripple among the
NASCAR community. It seems that in the modern 'Cup era,
tradition, greatness and success are of no importance. So I'll
take on the task of offering a fix for both teams. Robert, Eddie
and Ford Motor Co., if you're reading this it may be a good idea
to take notes.1. Merge both teams into one superteam :
This idea is such a no brainer I'm surprised that nobody else
has mentioned it. The Wood and Yates families have similar
backgrounds...hardworking, honest people who make their livings
from racing. Neither group have 3 billion car dealerships, are
NFL coaches, belong to drug cartels, own brothels nor have
outside incomes and treat racing as an expensive hobby. These
guys are racers only! Because of this, both teams
are sponsorship dependent. Were the Yates/Wood Bros. teams to
merge, their combined resources would increase fourfold. Beyond
the doubled shop space, workers, road crew members, engineering
pool, cars, equipment and such, a 4 car 'Cup team would be so
much more attractive to potential sponsors. I can only imagine
the opportunities that would be offered to a Yates/Wood team!
Just the ink generated by the combining of these two storied
teams would have sponsors lining up at the shop door.
2. Begin work in earnest on a Car of Tomorrow: As much as
I hate these winged monsters, the COT is a done deal. The last
that I'd heard, RYR nor the Wood's had done much as to
developing them. With the Superteam, there would be more than
adequate shop space and personnel to catch up with the other
teams in short order.
3. Dismiss Dale Jarrett now!: Since his planned defection
to Toyota was announced, DJ has only been going through the
motions and not really attempting to race. Since Jarrett's
chances of making The Chase are less than nil, buying out the
remainder of his contract would be in the best interest of the
team. Were this my team, I'd do whatever it takes to lure Ricky
Rudd into the no.88 car for the remainder of the season. With
Ricky's past connection to both teams, FoMoCo, and considering
his relationship with Fatback McSwain, he'd be a natural! In
fact, I'd make every effort to keep Ricky aboard permanently,
either as a full time driver or as a development coach for
aspiring new talent. I'd also send the no. 88 packing at the end
of the season and bring back the fabled no. 28. All of us who
adored Davey Allison and Ernie Irvan would love you for it.
4. Keep Ken Schrader: I believe that the newer 'Cup fans
have no idea how great of a driver that Kenny is. If he hadn't
gone with Hendrick and the no. 25 "jinxed" car in 1988, I'm
certain that Ken would have a bunch of wins and a Championship
under his belt in a Ford. Besides becing capable of winning
races were he in top notch equipment, he would be a great
resource for driver development. If Kenny decided he's had
enough of 'Cup racing at age 75 or so, build him a super truck
team and let him win more races.
5. Delegate responsibilities appropriately: From where I
sit, Len and Eddie Wood are great administrators, but without
the resources. Robert and Doug Yates have more resources but
seem more comfortable in the engine shop doing what they do
best. So I'd have the Wood's concentrate on securing
sponsorships and other administrative duties while the Yates'
run the shop.
So there you have it, friends. With Ricky Rudd, Elliott
Sadler, John Wood and Kenny doing the driving, a 2 car Busch
driver development program and a shop full of good engineers, I
believe strongly that Rick Hendrick, Ray Evernham,
Jack Roush, Joe Gibbs and company would have some very tough
competition on their hands. Now if the Yates and Woods would
just go for my plan....
Ship Fed-Ex everyone!