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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....