Do any relatively new drivers have their careers ruined because their cars are not as good as they should be?

Question

...Do you think that some racing organizations write off poor performances as driver error instead of poor equipment?

...If you have some examples name them.

Answer 1

This is a difficult question as far as proving it, but I do feel that it happens. My examples would be Ray Evernham's entire team.

Kasey Kahne (He'll be ok because he's marketable and he's won enough)
Scott Riggs' and Elliott Sadler's careers have both taken turns for the worse since signing with Ray. And I think that the equipment is the main issue. The same could be said for Jeremy Mayfield, although he's not really a new driver. But the poor equipment is really hurting those driver's Cup careers.

Answer 2

That's a pretty good question. I would guess if they have shown the ability to compete and dominate at a lower level someone else would give them a chance, rather than relegate them to the "minors".

I'm sure there are some organizations that blame the driver for their product not being able to compete. Sometimes, the competition in NASCAR cup racing is too much for the driver to handle, though.

I can think of two prominent names that could figure into this... don't go ballistic, now...
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been blaming his performance on equipment. Now that he is going to arguably the best equipment in NASCAR he should do quite well, right?

Tony Stewart is moving into a Toyota. Toyotas have had limited... at best... success in NASCAR, while JGR has been a dominant force with Chevrolet. Can Tony put Toyota in a position of prominence and respectability?

I know I took this in a little bit of a different direction, but I think these two drivers are the best illustration of the driver/car argument.

Answer 3

I totally agree with carrie. I don't think it will ruin his career, but David Reutimann is a very good driver in really poor equipment. I'll go along with Sorenson and Stremme also but JJ Yeley has had pretty decent cars in general and should have had better results.

Answer 4

absolutely, BUT nascar is so competitive in nature that if a new driver isnt winning or bringing in enough top 10s or top 5s then it seems like they quickly get the boot to open a space for another driver that might have a better opportunity of winning. Seems like it can even be something as simple as not representing the sponsor well enough or not having that t.v. / interview type personality. Plenty of examples have been given.

Answer 5

I think there are quite a few.

Dave Blaney has never been in good equipment. When his car works he runs well though. He could win races on a better team. He was by far the best Toyota last season.

Answer 6

I know David Reutimann and he is always complining about his car, something always going wrong. But now that they have better people hired , he will do great next year. There are lots of other drivers that have had lots of problems with their cars, like Dave Blaney .

Answer 7

Yes, and Ganassi/Sabates racing has been one of the worst examples of this. The most recent casualty is David Stremme.
Haas/CNC also wrote off Johnny Sauter prematurely IMO

Answer 8

I think scott riggs isa good example he showed what he could do in 2006 in a good car but in 2007 Everham strugles an he strugles also

Answer 9

what a great question. Yes i think guys like david stremme, reed sorenson, jj yeley havent got a fair shake because they get the left overs.

Answer 10

Kyle Bush will be the next victim of this question. Also... The next driver to take over the#21 car,will also fall victim to this....
Hate to say / or see this too !!! But someone need's to step-up and help those guy's over there !!