Ford out as Jarrett's Crew Chief
5/17/05, 01:31 PM
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from speedtv.com
As much as I hate to admit it, maybe Jarrett has reached the end of the line . . . .
Mike Ford Resigns as Jarrett's Crew Chief
Written by: Ben Blake
Mooresville, N.C. β 5/16/2005 Ford (left) and Jarrett have parted company (LeSieur/LAT photo)
Mike Ford, crew chief for Dale Jarrett's No. 88 team, will not continue in that role, Robert Yates Racing announced Monday. It was not made clear whether Ford, who emerged as the 88 chief after an in-house reorganization at RYR in 2003, has left the team or will take another job in the organization.
The 88 team, sponsored by high-profile UPS, has performed below expectations this season and has been slow to emerge from Ford's overall slump in 2003. Jarrett's last victory came at Rockingham in February 2003. His best finish this year was fifth at Bristol, and although he is 14th in points -- not out of bounds in the championshi picture -- he has led just one lap all season.
Jarrett also failed to make last year's inaugural playoff, finishing 15th in points, although the team showed signs of progress through final third of the season. There had been questions as to how major sponsors such as UPS would react to NASCAR's top-10 cut-off.
Team general manager Eddie d'Hondt said only that "Mike made his decision based on what was in the best interest for himself and for his family. We obviously wish him the best in his future endeavors."
The team did not immediately announce a replacement. "Until we find the right individual for the job, we will fill the role in-house on an interim basis," d'Hondt said.
As much as I hate to admit it, maybe Jarrett has reached the end of the line . . . .
Mike Ford Resigns as Jarrett's Crew Chief
Written by: Ben Blake
Mooresville, N.C. β 5/16/2005 Ford (left) and Jarrett have parted company (LeSieur/LAT photo)
Mike Ford, crew chief for Dale Jarrett's No. 88 team, will not continue in that role, Robert Yates Racing announced Monday. It was not made clear whether Ford, who emerged as the 88 chief after an in-house reorganization at RYR in 2003, has left the team or will take another job in the organization.
The 88 team, sponsored by high-profile UPS, has performed below expectations this season and has been slow to emerge from Ford's overall slump in 2003. Jarrett's last victory came at Rockingham in February 2003. His best finish this year was fifth at Bristol, and although he is 14th in points -- not out of bounds in the championshi picture -- he has led just one lap all season.
Jarrett also failed to make last year's inaugural playoff, finishing 15th in points, although the team showed signs of progress through final third of the season. There had been questions as to how major sponsors such as UPS would react to NASCAR's top-10 cut-off.
Team general manager Eddie d'Hondt said only that "Mike made his decision based on what was in the best interest for himself and for his family. We obviously wish him the best in his future endeavors."
The team did not immediately announce a replacement. "Until we find the right individual for the job, we will fill the role in-house on an interim basis," d'Hondt said.
5/28/05, 11:56 AM
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Jarret's a great driver, watch how he handles himself in the pack and you'll know what I mean. He just hasn't had the right combo to get up front. If you don't believe a crew chief can be key, look how much Sadler has improved, or how badly Jr. is doing.
5/29/05, 02:47 AM
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Originally posted by Moosetang@May 28, 2005, 12:59 PM
Jarret's a great driver, watch how he handles himself in the pack and you'll know what I mean. He just hasn't had the right combo to get up front. If you don't believe a crew chief can be key, look how much Sadler has improved, or how badly Jr. is doing.
Jarret's a great driver, watch how he handles himself in the pack and you'll know what I mean. He just hasn't had the right combo to get up front. If you don't believe a crew chief can be key, look how much Sadler has improved, or how badly Jr. is doing.
I would love for Jarrett to get back to where he was. He's still my favorite driver.
I'm hoping he can pass Mark Martin on the all time win list before he retires.
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