Thunderous response to 3-Wide meeting at TMS!

The weekend at Texas Motor Speedway saw the advent of a first! All members of 3-Wide actually met for the first time!


This well may be the reason for the bad weather! For the most part, we discovered we could be friendly!


But then again, we had our moments!



However, after all was said and done, all was good!




It was a great deal of fun. You could not ask for more gracious hosts in the form of Mr. and Mrs High Groover, and also Mr. and Mrs. Okla21fan!

I am sure the next meeting will be just as interesting!

Three Wide-Team Report Cards

It is Spring Break. It is a vacation week for the Nextel Cup Cars. It is also Spring Vacation in our schools, which makes this a perfect week to issue our first set of report cards!

Toyota
Team Red Bull
High Groover: A solid D

OK, you have a SPONSOR as a NEW Team Owner. A NEW sponsor with a NEW manufacturer. It’s pretty obvious that when your only “tenured” team member is BV, you have some growing to do. Face it – Red Bull is a European (Austrian) privately owned company that’s HEAVILY invested in sports marketing and team re-branding. They’re sponsorship money is spread VERY thin and their current competition in the US market is extremely tough. What happens to this “team” when the U.S. cola wars produce the next generation of “energy” drinks and Red Bull’s domestic sales take a back seat? They’ll pull their U.S. racing investment and back to F1. This team isn’t going anywhere soon – too many new components and a seeming lack long-term commitment to building a winning team. The inconsistent results speak for themselves.

Snafam: D- Destructing in front of our eyes.

High profile sponsor/owners with a couple of young drivers with very little in the way of experience in NASCAR. Sure, Vickers has been here much longer than AJ Allemdinger, but one win does not make him a veteren. He rarely contended at his former ride. AJ is in over his head.

Okla21fan: C-

New teams, green drivers, no owner points, spells going to the ‘special ed’ class. Like all the Toyota teams, this is work in progress. No matter what the Cat in the Hat thinks, this is not the MLB where a new owner can flood the market with money and ‘buy’ early success. Like you will see, my expectations for the new manufacturer was not that high to begin with, and before making the Toyota teams go to ‘winter school’, I need to see more of their class work.

Bill Davis Racing

High Groover: C+

My money is on BDR! Bill Davis’ up close & personal relationship with Toyota paid off tremendously in the Truck series, and it will be only a matter of time before that success transfers to Cup. Tenure with the marque is key here. BDR has the sponsor/team relationship solidly built, they’ve spent ample time with Toyota engineers, marketing staff, R&D, etc. The “BDR/Toyota Honeymoon” was over long ago. The marriage is on solid ground and these guys are ready to work. Their Cup program is showing steady improvement and their COT performance was a surprise! No one can ignore Blaney’s stats, and as much as I’d LIKE to ignore Mayfield’s he showed some respectable chops in qualifying at Martinsville. I don’t think we’ll see him sitting out too many more races.

Snafam: C-

BDR is the best of the Toyota teams. While that is not saying much, they have the benefit of estabished teams and established drivers. If Toyota is not concentrating on this organization in favor of the others, they would be making a huge mistake.

Okla21fan: B

It is too bad the COT was not used in all the races this season, because this grade might be even higher. BDR has merged the Toyota truck success to the COT and seems to have a leg up. Compound that with two capable drivers and this organization is tops for the manufacturer, this team will look forward to ‘next year’, as the season continues.

Michael Waltrip Racing –

High Groover - F.

I think drugs might be the answer. Won’t hurt to keep the Leo Buscaglia books away from Mikey for a while, either.

Snafam: F is for Flailing and Failing.

The two senior drivers are struggling when they do make it on the track. Jarrett will run out of provisionals soon, and we will see some kamikaze qual runs from him. Sadly the best of the lot is the Rookie David, who is a nervous wreck at each qualifying. I predict he will have an ulcer by the next time we break.

Okla21fan: I (incomplete)

Mikey’s dog ate his homework! It was bad enough that he paid ‘huge’ money for a driver who had been mailing it in the past few years just for a past champions provisional. Now the ‘spokesman’ can’t make races. If the 00 can make the race, he has shown to be the most competitive for this race team.

Ford

Roush-Fenway
High Groover: B-

Pretty danged respectable considering Ford’s rumored lack of support. All 4 veteran drivers in the top 20 and their uber-rookie is in 22nd and no longer an enfant terrible on the track. Something must be going right in that garage! Looks like the new financial partnership might have generated enuf funds to compensate for any lack of backing and support from Ford.

Snafam: B-

Once again it looks like Ford came to the gunfight with a butter knife. Fenway brought in lots of the $$, which will give needed resources to the Race team and to the Engine Shop. Last falls "Dart without Feathers" looks like he is growing some pinions! Jamie Mac appears to be liking his new CC! The other drivers, while not spectacular, are showing their regular strong moments, which tells me they will do fairly well.

Okla21fan: B

The ‘evil empire’ strikes again! Now with the added support from Fenway, the beat should only get better.

Robert Yates Racing
High Groover: C

Shut up already about RYR! You bring a near extinct team back from the brink of obscurity and expect miracles? Here’s the deal – they have some catch up to do on the COT. Give ‘em time – the sins of the ancestors won’t clear up over night but once they do – watch out! (And Robert is a hottie. There. I said it. PPPPPBBBBBBBB!!!)

Snafam: C-

With a great start to the year, the skies looked bright for this team. Then, the bottom fell out. Both teams are having their share of bad luck, but they also have been having a host of the same issues from the past. Without a long history of solid engineering, this team will remain in 'reactive' mode, rather than being pro-active. No young hot-shot and no senior star will be a cure-all! It will take time and patience. And oh, probably lots more cash!

Okla21fan: C+

It is not easy to ‘rebuild’, especially after driver defections. Driver defection can literally destroy a race team. The first half of a season after such an event is truly a ‘hall pass’ for me. This is work in progress and the learning curve is still out there. Rudd will pick up the slack at his ‘specialty’ tracks, and Gilliland with his CC and setup knowledge just may be the wildcard for this in the long run.

Wood Brothers
High Groover: D

A David among Goliaths, Wood brothers should be patted on the rump for keeping their single car out of the “Go or Go Home” category. And did you see Schrader qualify 4th last week? I love this team – a REAL team with more racing than marketing in their hearts.

Snafam: D

It amazes me that every year, the Woods keep plugging along. They are hoping that scion Jon will be their savior...but Jon has a long way to go. One can't help but remember the Woods back in their day, and hope they will succeed.

Okla21fan: C-

If I were using a grading curve pin-pointed to single car teams, I would up-grade to a B+. But sadly, the curve is not applicable in Nascar. The Woods are making the best of what they have to work with, they ride the short bus to school everyday, but that does not stop the resolve.

Robby Gordon
High Groover– C

I dunno – I kinda think the car looks GOOD all black like that.

Snafam: B-

An anachronism in our sport. A single car owner, with limited resources, but doing far far better than any other car owner in the same spot. Sponsorhip will keep this passionate driver from failing, but then again, it may put him into spots that will cause grief to his peers.

Okla21fan: C

Average driver, average team, average sponsor. This team ‘hides’ in the middle of the classroom, and lays low, but you never know when he will score big on a test.

Dodge

Ray Evernham Racing
High Groover– C-

OK, here goes: Methinks Ray mortgaged the farm to get a jump on the COT, now he’s spending his time marketing his team to prospective partners. What worked in the 90’s as far as team organization simply isn’t working in 2007. Hard to make major changes in the organization, though, when you don’t have dry ink on that prospective life-saving deal yet. Just wait. It’ll happen and perhaps then we’ll see some much needed change at EMS that will put all three capable drivers back on top. Then we can stop killing goats and crucifying fan club members. Or not.

Snafam: B-

Two of the three drivers have suffered from hideous luck. The third, while he is hanging in there, has been known to self-implode as the season wears on. Look for their star, Kasey, to shine again. However, remember that championships may not be won in the first few races, they certainly can be lost in the first few races.

Okla21fan: C-

Getting caught cheating on an early pop quiz has set this whole team back. Some bad luck has compounded the woes for the premier driver and it looks that the burden of making the Chase is left up to Sadler. Is he up for the weekly grind? History shows that come second semester, there are focus issues. Someone get Ray a hotline to the Pharmacist and hook up some Ritilin. The ‘Southern Gentleman’ has the skills if he simply puts his mind to it.

Ganassi w/Sabates
High Groover– C

Disciplined driving isn’t a strong point at Ganassi, but everything else seems to me moving along nicely. Montoya would be a phenom is he could get some help on the track – and it’s won’t be long before he will have earned some stripes. Strong Dodges and an established program are paying off. The drivers will grow into it.

Snafam: B+

This organization is showing a surge of strength. JPM has appeared to light a fire with the whole team, and I am sure we will see one or more wins this year. And how about that Stremme! He has his 'game-face' on, and will be much stronger than any expected. Reed? Where is the promise this young man showed?

Okla21fan: C+

This team, despite some hype, just keeps jugging along. Even with some green drivers doing very well, they are also making some mistakes. That could change, and the honor roll could be in the future.

Penske Racing
High Groover – C+

Whassup with Penske? I’m stumped. They’re kinda boring this season!

Snafam: D

There is nothing there, no style no substance and nothing to show for their efforts. Mid pack at this time.

Okla21fan: C-

Can Busch or Newman pull a 2nd quarter ‘surge’ like a the 2006 rookie of the year did, and save this team’s rep? It is possible, but I am not counting on it. This is an average team right now, if they want to go to a four year college, they will need to step it up, otherwise it will be going to the local community college with a tuition waiver.

Petty
High Groover– D.

Plod, plod, plod, plod.

Snafam: D

Is Kyle's heart in the driver's seat anymore? It sure looks as if they are setting up his broadcasting career. Bobby is still strong, but this organization is right there with Yates, needing cash to really pick it up.

Okla21fan: C-

I think the Wood Brothers and RPR must sit next to each other, they both get the same questions right and wrong on the tests.

Chevrolet
DEI
High Groover– C

Stuck firmly in mediocrity. I’m sure the “Dynasty” drama is taking a toll on the entire organization, but since there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of support in the financial department they’ve been able to stay in respectable standings. OK, tho -- whassup with Menard? He showed REAL promise last year and has tanked in ’07.

Snafam: C

Three popular drivers and only one is flirting with the top ten. One could only hope that the signing of the contract will ease the pain in this organization. There is too much potential being wasted right now.

Okla21fan: C

A classic example of the hierarchy of the hallway and the playground antics. Jr is the rock of the race team, and is pulling the strings and the everyone else on the playground looks to him to see what is the ‘next game’ to play.

Gibbs
High Groover– A-.

There’s an old saying: “The speed of the leader is the speed of the pack.” Their majordomo, Tony, is showing signs of mellowness, and his attention to non-Cup activities has increased tenfold. These guys will stay near the top of the heap, but if we had the “old” Tony back – it would be a wipe out!

Snafam: A

Tony the Vet is being shut out by his partner. His fire may come back the race after he gets waxed! (More aerodynamic?) Mr Sophomore Denny has yet to find his slump, JJ...hmmm, the waxing did not help him last year!

Okla21fan: A-

Sitting at the front of the class, answering all the questions when asked. As the questions get harder, both keep raising their hands to answer, hollering "I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW, PICK ME!!" .

Hendrick
High Groover – A+.

And I hate it. This is a NASCAR monopoly with unlimited resources. When you have unlimited resources – you can dominate any endeavor and “apply” pressure to the sport, rather than react to it. Worked for Exxon! I have a theory: Start with Hendrick, deduct ½ the net assets, and you wind up with DEI.

Snafam: A+

Three out of four are soaring. And what is with the 4th team? Hmmm, maybe it was not Brian after all! If they can ever figure out the 4th team jinx, the whole organization will be so strong it will be hard to beat.

Okla21fan: A

Teacher still can’t find any cheat sheets; something must be on the up and up. The Valedictorian of Nascar cruises on.

Ginn
High Groover– C.

Not bad for being the exhibition division of RCR! I can’t help but wonder where Mark would have placed in points had Ginn been forced to finance a full season from the get go.

Snafam: B

Proof that money can cure a lot of ills. Ginn came in, spread the cash around, and the whole organization has picked up the pace. Even though G can stand for Ginn, it can also stand for Geritol, a direct reference to the age of most of the drivers. However, in age there is a wily strength. All three of those drivers are showing improvement, and Bobby has a stable of young drivers in training, waiting in the wings.

Okla21fan: B-

All those ‘sick days’ hurt this team with Martin missing a race. But I guess that was in the curriculum all along.

Childress
High Groover– A+.

Solid stuff. When everything is workin’, it looks like RCR.

Snafam: A+

When there are three drivers, and the lowest of them in the points is Harvick at 10th, you KNOW that Childress is on top of it. Watch for good things all year long.

Okla21fan: A+

I always hated the kids that give apples to the teach every Monday morning. But week after week, they are the ones earning the gold stars.

Thank you to everyone who slogged all the way through our report cards. We promise, the next blogs will be shorter, a bit, maybe!

And so, it begins!

The idea of Three Wide was conceived a few months ago. I proposed the idea to the other two members of this blog and received agreement that we could indeed 'do' this! I then created the blog site, not knowing that all of the lurkers and watchers were immediately prepared to raise their hackles and point fingers before we even started. (To understand, read on to catch up on the background!)

At any rate, we are three folks who, at one time, did not like each other. Actually, we did not like what the other wrote. However, when facts are presented, rational thinkers are forced to examine their arguments and check for validity. We then found that there was some common ground, and then it became more and more likely that we could have great discussions.

Here is the introduction of the blogger known as High Groover:

• Beatin, Bangin, Rivalry & Competition -- Oh, and then some stuff about racing!

  Those who’ve read my internet offerings over the last year or so know that I’m as much a fan of humanity as I am a fan of racing. Human nature can often be viewed as a spectator (and participatory) sport! The internet provides us with a means of relationship building – and those relationships take on lives of their own (some fruitful and worthwhile, and some not)!
  
  Back in the not too distant past, I engaged VERY unwittingly in a flaming online battle with a particular blogger and his allies who had the unmitigated audacity to post some wicked satire about my favorite driver! Fur flew, alliances formed, fingers pointed and sides were taken. Battles were waged across several message boards and legends were born!
  
  Funny, but I’ve found that the more vehemently I disagree with someone’s ideas – the more likely it is that a kernel of truth exists somewhere in their words. Early in the fray, I recognized that my opponent (while quite opinionated), was in possession of a WEALTH of NASCAR knowledge! “What a shame!” I thought, that this individual (a rare soul who can explain technical issues in lay terms and has seen firsthand the career history of my favorite driver), exists as an island among the disenfranchised Sadler fans – may of whom are crying in the wilderness for REAL racing knowledge!
  
  I’m well versed in the apparent “hotness” of my driver! I need no further enlightenment regarding the “cuteness” of his posterior. He’s young enough to be my kid! What I REALLY want learn is more about the technical issues, the business issues, and the performance issues that affect his team! As much as I enjoy my Fan Club and related message boards, they’re not always educational tools and “damaged relationships” always seem to take precedence over competent teaching. Alas, I had found a “mentor” – but he had royally ticked me off!!!
  
  To make a long story short – we somehow managed to bury the hatchet (and not in anyone’s head) and found that we could get along online without compromising our fierce loyalties. We agree more than we disagree, but don’t worry – we still butt heads now and then. This weekend Dave and I had the delightful opportunity to attend the Texas Racefest with Phil (yes folks – THAT Phil!) and his lovely wife, Jenell. I’m pleased to report that all went well (until he abandoned us after hijacking a golfcart and burned our lunch).
  

See the rest of her blog, with some wonderful descriptions of Texas Race Fest, by clicking on the hot link above!

Now here is a not-so-brief bio of Snafam (yep, that would be me!)

• SNAFAM! Supreme NAscar FAnatic Merri. A nickname given to me by my husband, after I demanded he awaken extra early, drive 4 hours, and wait for 6 hours for the race to start. Luckily our driver won, which made it much better!
  
  Hubby has since retreated into defensive mode, and is now a World of Warcraft addict. It actually works out well, as he is busy gaming while I am busy with all else NASCAR related. It IS rather disconcerting to see that he looks so much like his character, or is it that his character looks like him?
  
  I began my career as SNAFAM-in-training when a company that was also a NASCAR sponsor employed me. I met one very nice driver, then the next year the company sponsored another very nice driver. At first I watched the Cup races, then I added in the Busch races. Wow, there was a Fall NCTS race in our area, so I started watching those races to become better informed before we attended that race. Soon, while searching for more information on the internet, I discovered Jayski, Catchfence, and other news sites. THEN, the discovery of a message board for my driver’s fan club tilted my psyche over the edge, plummeting me into SNAFAM heaven!
  
  I am the fan that Big Bill France envisioned years ago. I collect all souvenirs of my driver(s). My closet is filled with clothing that shouts to the world that I am a NASCAR fan. My shopping habits are based on NASCAR sponsorship. I buy every NASCAR related book currently available, and some that are now out of print. My instant messenger list is 10% relatives, and the rest NASCAR related. I belong to several message boards, and have joined the world of NASCAR blogs. All technology in our house was brought in purely to enhance the NASCAR experience. (Computers to run Trackpass and a chat room during race day, HDTV to enhance the viewing, and of course DVR, so that I may replay that crash to find out if it was REALLY a racing deal!)
  
  Formerly a moderator on the message board of my favorite driver, I helped to monitor the board with the goal to keep it as clean and controversy free as possible. There were always a few who loved to ‘stir it up’ and one of them was most disconcerting. I did find myself stopping to read WHAT he said, even if it was a negative comment about our driver. He was a fan of the driver since the early days, and I was always afraid of what he would type next, as it was sure to cause some anxiety for someone on the forum. His blogs have continued in that great tradition. That would be the infamous Phil, also known as Okla21fan.
  
  The Forum changed management, and I downgraded myself to become a simple member. The new moderators seemed to be most interested in the activities of my former nemesis, and I found myself siding with him, when they would try and refute his research. One of them was especially well spoken (if a bit overly gung-ho) about topics that reflected her adulation of the driver. However, something sarcastic I posted one day struck her as amusing, and she emailed me to tell me we wished we could have met under other circumstances.
  
  So, here are those other circumstances. We found much common ground, and we have agreed to disagree on the subject of her favorite driver!
  

• As far as Okla21Fan, aka Phil, you should head right on over to his blog One Lugnut Short, and spend a few hours or days catching up. While you are there, check out his description of Thunderhill Raceway. Okla21fan and High Groover had a meeting there, and he has nothing but good things to say about the facility and the program.
  
  He has been a long time fan of NASCAR and is so very observant of the sport that you cannot help but stop and listen occasionally! You may not like what he has to say, but what he does say has merit, and is quite often heavily based on research. I can guarantee, contrary to the opinions on several non-official fan forums, he is not an idiot, he is not a moron, and is not deprived of friends or happiness. He has a life, and he is happily married. And, he will continue to question anything that piques his interest! I can guarantee that he questions much, even if the questioning goes against the popular opinion! He has indeed gained status close to legendary, because he is cited on many boards where he no longer posts! He is much discussed, yet many folks choose to argue against him on boards that are private and where he cannot answer. Yes, quite often the entertainment level requires the consumption of popcorn!
  
  We were hoping to have his bio but for some reason he does not like to talk about himself very much! Rest assured, that when we get going, he would not find it difficult to provide his opinion!

Three adversaries, with the potential to be three friends. If we can ever agree on a subject, you will read three opinions. I feel sure, though, there will be some ‘beating and ‘banging’ to the Checkered Flag!

We have not given up!

I promise that we will get this blog moving! It has been a challenge getting us all to agree on anything, including a subject! Two women and one man! Two Texans and one Nevadan! Three totally different views on one particular driver.

Sheesh!

Soon, I promise!

(Snafam)