Hard Turn
by Jeff Owens
Kyle Petty deserves one more shot to be competitive
April 4, 2008
More blog postings from Jeff Owens
Out of all the changes possibly pending at Petty Enterprises – the loss of General Mills, the possible loss of Bobby Labonte and the potential investment of a partnership group – the most stunning would be this: Kyle Petty leaving his family-owned team – the one most thought he was running – to drive for another team.
Petty confirmed that bombshell Friday, stating emphatically that he would absolutely consider driving for another team if there was no longer a place for him at Petty Enterprises. Clearly at odds with his father, Richard, Petty reluctantly stepped out of his No. 45 Dodge at Texas Motor Speedway to make room for young driver Chad McCumbee.
The team appears to be considering a new direction, which it should with its primary sponsor leaving and its marquee driver (Labonte) possibly following suit.
But I, for one, would love to see Kyle move to another team, one that might give him a chance to be competitive again. In its current state, it appears highly unlikely that he is ever going to get that chance again at Petty Enterprises, which has struggled for years and seems to be spinning its wheels.
If you look at Petty’s record in recent years, most people would automatically assume that his best days as a driver are way behind him. But he has been driving inferior equipment for the family operation. In a sense, he has been taking one for the team as it desperately tries to rebuild.
At age 47, Petty probably only has two or three years remaining as a driver. For all he has given the sport, and his family-owned team, he deserves the chance to get one last shot with a competitive team.
In his prime, Petty was a winning driver, first with the Wood Bros., then with Felix Sabates. Maybe he can still be competitive. We’ll never know unless he gets a shot with a competitive team.
Kyle Petty is one of the NASCAR’s most colorful characters and greatest ambassadors. He, more than anyone, deserves one last shot to go out a winner. Someone needs to give him that shot.
Petty confirmed that bombshell Friday, stating emphatically that he would absolutely consider driving for another team if there was no longer a place for him at Petty Enterprises. Clearly at odds with his father, Richard, Petty reluctantly stepped out of his No. 45 Dodge at Texas Motor Speedway to make room for young driver Chad McCumbee.
The team appears to be considering a new direction, which it should with its primary sponsor leaving and its marquee driver (Labonte) possibly following suit.
But I, for one, would love to see Kyle move to another team, one that might give him a chance to be competitive again. In its current state, it appears highly unlikely that he is ever going to get that chance again at Petty Enterprises, which has struggled for years and seems to be spinning its wheels.
If you look at Petty’s record in recent years, most people would automatically assume that his best days as a driver are way behind him. But he has been driving inferior equipment for the family operation. In a sense, he has been taking one for the team as it desperately tries to rebuild.
At age 47, Petty probably only has two or three years remaining as a driver. For all he has given the sport, and his family-owned team, he deserves the chance to get one last shot with a competitive team.
In his prime, Petty was a winning driver, first with the Wood Bros., then with Felix Sabates. Maybe he can still be competitive. We’ll never know unless he gets a shot with a competitive team.
Kyle Petty is one of the NASCAR’s most colorful characters and greatest ambassadors. He, more than anyone, deserves one last shot to go out a winner. Someone needs to give him that shot.
Average Rating:
5.0
Add Your Comments
Other Recent Blog Entries by Jeff Owens
Search
Other Blogs
Recent Blog Postings
- Pit crew challenge a unique experience
by Bob Pockrass | - Is Biffle NASCAR's new hard-luck driver?
by Jeff Owens | - Whatever happened to Kurt Busch?
by Jeff Gluck | - Stewart gives back to charity
by Carolyn Brewster | - Welcome NASCAR’s newest team owner
by Art Weinstein | - Sorry, Jon Wood
by Bob Pockrass | - All-star race eligibility confusion
by Bob Pockrass |
Poll Position
Who will be the first to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup championship?
Recent Comments: