overheard

Thank you for all the kind words on the new Overheard up at champcar.ws.
It really means a lot to me and gives me incentive to continue to do better and better.

Carpentier not happy with Cheever. Interesting and disturbing stories coming out of that camp. If Carpentier is owed money, then he has a right to claim it. But is it just me or is Cheever’s angry letter sent to Carpentier such a weasel thing to do? I’ve never met Cheever. I don’t know the man and his antics and tend not to believe too much of what I read about him. But come on. Imagine sitting at your desk at your workplace, going about your day and suddenly receiving an email from your boss, who is two offices down, telling you to pick up the slack. You’d be pissed! If my performance is not up to par, then I would expect my employer to tell me face to face. It’s a respect thing. If the employer is unhappy, then tell the employee face to face. Don’t cower behind a note or a letter or even a phone call. They have several weeks to go before the Indy 500. they couldn’t meet face to face? However, Carpentier has been known to be overly emotional and say things that he doesn’t act upon with a cooler head, so we’ll see what happens.

Jack Roush had some harsh words to say about Toyota coming into the Nextel and the Busch series. I respect a man who speaks his mind. I don’t know the details enough to comment on the situation, but I did read his “business is war” article and its very interesting. Is Toyota the American racecar killer? Arguably, they helped kill CART, they aren’t doing any favors in the IRL and now are setting up for NASCAR. Regardless of what you think of the article or his statement, Toyota going to NASCAR is good news for the series.

Not good news because it’ll force everybody else to step up. Not good news because it means they are likely leaving the IRL. No, its good news for NASCAR because it sets up a villain right off the bat. People are afraid of the unknown, and for some time now, NASCAR, the product, has been predictable. Almost a comfort zone. Now, bring in this new potential powerhouse and everybody will get a little uneasy. They’ll sign with some teams, some already established drivers. Some will be seen as traitors, others as acceptors. People will talk. Their performance will be under the radar. Regardless, NASCAR has itself a great storyline in the future.

this sport is based on rivalries and personalities and although NASCAR continues to bring up these great young drivers in Edwards, Truex and Kyle Busch, they could use a shake up. get people talking.

Personally, in this global age of ours, I don’t necessarily see Toyota as strictly a Japanese manufacturer. They already have a very strong presence in America, provide many jobs and at the end of the day, consumers want the best product. if its choosing a Toyota over a Chevrolet, then so be it. its all up to the consumer.