Ginn-DEI Merger Fallout

A lot of people are talking about what the Ginn-DEI merger means to those two teams, the uncertain future of all sorts of drivers, and Ginn's role in the sport overall. I'm getting the feeling the millionaire real estate man has worn out his welcome in NASCAR, or at least destroyed all the good will he built up earlier in the year.

But the biggest, most immediate impact we'll see Sunday won't have anything to do with that. Aside from the question marks relating to Marlin and Nemecheck, this will dramatically change the qualifying situation for the "go or go home" teams. Sure, the 15 car now has Marlin's points, but that's just a swap, but in the end this deal means that 2 cars that were always threats to make the field are no longer there. Plus, I think Nemecheck was in 34th, so that should move the Wood Brothers up into the top 35 either for this week or at least by next week (assuming, of course, they make the race and Ginn doesn't sell the 13's points to someone else.)

That's gotta be a good feeling for the 21 folks, especially with Terry Labonte trumping Bill Elliott's champ provisional this weekend. (I guess I was wrong about Mikey maybe asking DW to drive his car.)

With two Ginn cars off the track, a lot of other folks outside the top 35 have to be a little more confident about making the Brickyard. Nothing's guaranteed, but Ward Burton and Jeremy Mayfield have to be a little more optimistic this week than last.

It'll be interesting to see how this all pans out.

Dual 150 - 01 Post Mortem

A lot is dependant on the second race, but it looks like Michael Waltrip is in, as is Boris Said. James Harvey Hylton made an awesome and clever move, but winds up 23rd after getting stuck out in the draft. Dale Jarrett will use the Camp's provisional, which means Bill Elliott is probably going home. Mike Bliss misses the race by 1.5 feet. Because Said made it in with the race, that means David Reutamin doesn't, and his time should be good enough. I also think Johnny Sauter is good on time.

This should vindicate Waltrip and his racing skills (At least on restrictor plate tracks.)

David Gilliland has proven he is a damn fine rookie, and the savior of Robert Yates racing (Rudd too, but he won't stick around too long.)He's essentially been racing against cup guys with inferior equipment down in the Busch series, and beat them once. Now that he's in a good car, he's showing what he can do.

The race was a wreck fest as anticipated, and I don't expect much different in the next 150. Thanks to NASCAR's unwillingness to handle what happened over the offseason and deal with the fact that 26 cars were going for 8 spots, racers have been put in danger, careers ruined, and this is only going to end poorly.

Quote of the week:

James Hylton: "We'll get em next time."