Rodney Childers to be David's New Crew Chief

Yay! Today it was announced that Rodney Childers will in fact be David Reutimann's crew chief in 2009. I must admit it's pleasing (but not surprising) that it didn't take long for someone to go for this position. David made such a splash this past season I'm sure many were interested in being his crew chief.

Based on Rodney saying, "When I heard the position was available, I looked into it because I really liked the idea of working with David. We have the same type of personality and as I see the progress MWR has made, I see it as a place where I could have a long future," and "David really burst onto the scene this past year and has proven that he can do this. He is comfortable and feels like he's as good as anyone on the track and that's really important," in the press release, I feel like he already has a lot of confidence in David, which is - of course - a very good thing! He also told a cute story of how he beat David for a pole in the NASCAR Slim Jim All-Pro Series in 1999.

It's stuff like that that makes me immediately like a new driver-crew chief pairing because it's not just the same old "he's talented and I'm looking forward to next season". When I was still wanting to cry over Ryan Pemberton replacing Frank Kerr, I read a recap of an interview he did on XM radio where he said David had a big heart - and well, my heart melted. A statement like that turned into a great relationship, so I'm hoping Rodney and David go the same way (but without the crew chief bailing).

I guess some of Sadler's fans are glad Rodney is gone because apparently he wasn't setting up the cars well. I can argue against that, since firstly crew chiefs are often the first ones to get blamed for bad performance by fans. Secondly, it's pretty clear that Dodge has problems, since as a whole the manufacturer performed quite horrendously this year. Thirdly, I've read that Sadler is difficult to work with, which can be a nightmare for any crew chief. David is a really good guy, an amazing talent, extremely adaptable and I get the impression that his ambition to give his all one hundred percent of the time motivates everyone around him to put in the same effort. Not downing Sadler, but David is exceptional in my humble opinion.

In short, I'm very much looking forward to listening in on the #00 radio communications in 2009!

Scott Speed and MWR

There was a bit of a surprise snuggled into an article about Ryan Pemberton becoming Brian Vickers's crew chief next season (which is a bit awkward since Brian is also one of our favorites, but anyway). Scott Speed, Team Red Bull's new obsession, is going to be in Michael Waltrip Racing's #99 Nationwide car for ten races in 2009. Michael seems to like Scott so it's not all that shocking when you think about it for a while, but it leaves only fifteen potential races for Josh Wise to run (since Michael and David Reutimann already have ten between them). Fifteen races isn't a small task, but I'm more concerned about not only Josh's future with MWR (I can't imagine he's going to want to sit around doing nothing), but also his experience level in general. NAPA is signed with MWR only through 2009 and if Michael doesn't improve his performance soon they may want a new, young driver. Josh could very well be that driver, but it sure would be nice if he had at least the majority of a Nationwide season to gain experience for Cup.

Aaron's only took the races Michael and David are going to run and I'm willing to bet the most valid reason Speed will now be in the #99 is the sponsorship he brings along. These days, Red Bull could probably put a crash dummy in a car as long as their cash came along for the ride. I wouldn't say Speed is a crash dummy but judging by the drama he got involved with in ARCA, he could potentially bring some headaches to Michael, Jerry Baxter and the #99 crew. However, because he's such a unique personality, he could bring positive (and humorous) attention as well!

Most of all I hope this doesn't mean the end for Josh at MWR. He would be a huge loss, for I believe he'll be amazing once he gets in a good, consistent ride.

Ryan Pemberton Has Left MWR

Looking forward to the 2009 season, this wasn't the first entry I wanted to write. I've actually been putting it off since the rumor started right before Homestead, mostly because I've wanted to hear it from someone from Michael Waltrip Racing even though I knew in my heart it was true. The confirmation that Ryan Pemberton won't be at MWR next year came from David Reutimann himself.

I guess anyone who knows me or had read the 2007 blog will realize that I'm upset about this because it's pretty obvious I grew attached to Ryan after listening to him, David and Shawn all year on Trackpass. How could I not? Ryan had heart, guts and determination, not only to give David the equipment he needed to show the world what he's got, but to help MWR as a whole, too. I felt that he cared about David and enjoyed working with him.

Maybe that's why it's so hard now that he just up and left without much notice. It feels like betrayal.

According to Tony Rizutti's November 15th edition of "The After Show", Ryan left for Red Bull supposedly because he didn't think the #00 team would be fully funded for 2009. This goes to show that the state NASCAR is in right now is a frightening one, and it's all the more saddening that it may have caused the separation of one of the best driver-crew chief pairings I've ever seen.

One thing that is really bothering me is the fan reaction towards Ryan. While a few are upset to varying degrees, others are downright bashing Ryan, claiming he always makes bad pit calls and crumbles at the end of the race. Despite me being distressed and even a little angry at Ryan, I couldn't help but get my hackles raised at those people. How many of them actually listened to the #44 radio and knew what was going on? Sure, Ryan sometimes made calls that didn't work out - just like every other crew chief in the history of the world! He is a good crew chief. Those people just don't freaking get it.

At the moment, Jayski is hearing that Rodney Childers, currently Elliott Sadler's crew chief, will end up heading over to MWR to take the reins of the #00. I don't know much about Rodney but I'm certainly willing to accept anyone who puts their faith in David's ability. It hurts that Ryan is gone, but as a fan I've gone through this once before when Frank Kerr was released and I survived.

Good luck, Ryan, whatever you end up doing. It was a pleasure to listen to you this season.