Is Toyota in Dale Jarrett's Future?This topic that has been running amuck in the headlines has really gotten me torn. In a way, I want to see DJ stay with RYR but another part of me wants him to join Toyota. You have probably read the headlines and all the pro's and con's to this issue.
DJ's stock went up big time once Kevin Harvick, who was rumored to be looking at Toyota, signed his extension with RCR. DJ is on the top of the list. if DJ leaves RYR, UPS will follow suit. Too much has been built between UPS and Dale that I don't see them staying with Yates. Who will Yates pick up as another driver? I am not sure of the answer to that question due to the lack of available drivers and I would like to see Elliott Sadler get a great teammate that he has in DJ.
I think DJ will go to Toyota. He has expressed concerned with the down force issues with the Fusion but here we are coming into the 10th race of the season, and the Yates cars just are not cutting it. The engines are not the problem due to the lack of mechanical problems but lets see, we look over at Roush Racing and their Fusions do not seem to have those issues, their drivers are getting results. This is not to say it is that DJ and Elliott are not driving their cars hard, it is something wrong with the cars themselves, maybe Yates should team up with Roush and these issues, heck they are partners in the engines and look how they are performing.
Toyota needs a driver like to DJ to bring them into the sport. His experience alone will greatly enhance their program. It will only be 2 years for DJ till he retires but just think how much can be gained in those 2 years. I don't expect Toyota to do great things right off the bat but look at how they are doing in the Truck Series, it is just a matter of time before the Camry will be upfront if not upfront right out of the gate.
It will be sad to see DJ leave Yates, but I believe DJ will do what is best for his family and the remainder of his career and will retire gracefully.
Well that is my opinion on this subject and I do wish DJ all the luck in his decision. As a avid fan of DJ, I will follow him no matter what he is driving, even if it is a Toyota Tundra...LOL
Take care everyone.
5 comments:
I don't want him to leave RYR!!! I hate to say it, but I'm one of the people who are totally against Toyota being in NASCAR and it would totally suck to see DJ go to Toyota. I think he's going to do it though. DJ seems to be a very smart man, and Tom, you are right, he's going to do whatever is in the him and his family's best interest, but this RYR girl doesn't wanna see him leave!!! :(
I'm iffy on the whole Toyota thing, but if this is what it takes for him to retire on a high note, and feel peaceful with that, than I say go for it.
I agree with both Christina's and RC's statements...I want DJ to be happy and fulfilled whether he stays with RYR, which is my hope, or goes with Toyota, which, like Christina, I'm not thrilled about having in NASCAR. He's very intelligent, and knows how to market himself for the best paycheck and the best retirement he can get. If he can't be that at Yates, then he'll probably move on.
I worry also about where Elliott will go and what he's planning to do...talk is circulating quickly about him leaving RYR as well, possibly for Toyota and that Red Bull ride. Weird stuff.
By the way, Tom, I've missed you, and am glad to have you back in the blogosphere. :)
Many people who consider themselves "true" Jarrett fans are whining loudly about his decision to leave RYR. I've been a fan since way back in the Hardee's #28 car days. Anyone remember that? I whine every time he takes the green in what it clearly a sub par RYR machine, because I know he hasn't a chance to win. All you have to do is go through the list of crew chiefs he's had in the last few years, and look at how well the Rousch camp does with the same engines and it's obvious that RYR has serious issues. At this point in his career, he deserves a competitive ride and I don't blame him one bit for leaving. Too bad his contract wasn't up a year or two sooner. He may have added several more wins to his resume".
I wish DJ luck with his decision and kudos to Toyota! Dale is an intelligent and highly respected racer and I'm sure has thought long and hard about the best for his future. Sometimes change isn't an easy thing to accept, but I say go for it DJ!
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