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.
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.