NASCAR's Biggest Fan – Girl of the Week | Ron Ripple

Since Tony Stewart will be leaving the Joe Gibbs Team at the end of the season, Joe Gibbs now has an available seat that is in need of a fresh driver.  Is Logano the Man or shall I say “boy” for the job?  He has proven his ability in the Nationwide Series, but does he have the experience to play with the big dogs?

Joey Logano is an incredibly talented driver who has proved himself to the world that he can compete with the Nationwide Series drivers at the young age of 18.  When he turned 18 years old he raced his first race with the Nationwide series and ended up with a 6th place.  Nobody expected him to do as well as he did and he’s been proving himself ever since with 2 poles and 1 win having only competed in a total of 5 races.  Joey Logano is the real deal… but does he have enough experience to compete with the big dogs in the Sprint Cup?

I think Joey Logano is a great driver but personally don’t think he has enough experience to compete with the Sprint Cup racers.  On Sunday the top racers in the WORLD drive out on the track and every one of them has the ability and talent that Logano has.  The difference between Joey Logano and Tony Stewart is experience and the only way to gain experience is to continue to race with the Nationwide guys.

If I were Joe Gibbs I would weigh out my options and make sure I’m making the right decision.  Joey Logano is an incredible racer and will one day be on top in Sprint Cup Series but now is not the time.  There are so many great drivers out there jockeying for position and trying to secure a spot for next year.

Ryan Newman for example is one of those great drivers looking to make a decision on where he’s going to be racing next year.  We all know rumors are stating he’s looking to join Tony Stewart in his venture but why would you, as an experienced and top driver, pick a team who will be going through growing pains for the next year or so?  Newman should join a team that knows how to win and who has the formula to win, that team being Joe Gibbs in the #20 car.

The Man, the myth, the legend, GREGGGG ZIPADELLLLIIIII

Whoever drive’s for the #20 car next year is going to be sitting in a proven car.  The #20 car is a winning car that has not only won races but has also won Championships.  It’s a car that comes with an experienced crew led by crew chief Greg Zipadelli… so the future of this car is in good hands and will have the ability to win.

It has to be tough as a crew cheif not knowing who your driver will be next year.  I’m sure he’s focused on this year but with all the hype and rumors going around about the #20 car, I’ll bet he’s anxious to find out.  Who knows… maybe he already knows who will be racing with him.  I guess the only thing we can do is wait and see. 

I feel like the only thing we hear these days are rumors… the only FACTS out there is Tony Stewart changing teams and Jeff Gordon popping more wine bottles.  One of these days I’m going to get Gordon to do a keg stand… So if you’re out there reading this Jeff, you better start practicing.

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Tony Stewart who you all know is one of my favorite drivers, is the topic of discussion throughout the NASCAR community.  The rumor on the street is that he’s been getting multiple offers from a number of different race teams even though his contract doesn’t come up with Joe Gibbs Racing until the end of the 2009 season.  Tony Stewart said that he is going to be completely honest and up front with Joe Gibbs and has already admitted to keeping his ears open.  The biggest story that has been going around the pits is he’s decided already to sign with Haas CNC racing which is a second class racing team. 

J.D. Gibbs says they aren’t worried about the possible offers and has denied the claims.  They think Tony Stewart will make the right decision and stay with a team he will win with, and they’re confident they are THAT team.  One thing they have mentioned is if Tony decides he doesn’t plan on staying with the Gibbs team, he better at least fulfill his contract and stay till the end of the 2009 year.

Tony Stewart on the other hand has other interests… his goal is to not only be a driver but also a team owner.  He wants to guarantee a life long career in the racing world, and the next peice to the puzzle is to own a team.  So rumors on the street are he’s already signed with Haas CRC racing, but not only as a driver but also part owner in the team. 

To me it sounds like Tony Stewart has made his decision… I think he’s going to fulfill his contract because he’s a stand up guy and Joe Gibbs has been an incredible team owner for him.  I personally think he should keep racing for Joe Gibbs… but I understand why he wants to secure his life long career in the NASCAR world.  If it aint broke than don’t fix it… he will be racing for a second class team.  And second class teams are second class teams with second class equipment.  He’s not going to find a more professional, more prepared team than Joe Gibbs and right now Joe Gibbs is THE TEAM to beat. 

Another reason why I think Tony made the swith is because I think he’s a Chevy guy.   Tony switched to the Toyota this year when the Gibbs team decided it was going to be the car they all ran this year.  His Nationwide Series team is currently still running the Chevy and I think he’s always been a Chevy guy and feels comfortable in a Chevy.  Tony Stewart and Toyota go together like beer and popsicles.  They just dont! 

It’s going to be a sad day when he makes the switch… but who knows… maybe he’ll turn a second class team into a first class team.  I hope this isn’t the last we see of Tony and I hope he doesn’t become a has been who lost his aggressive, opinionated, drama filled always a contender to be reckoned with attitude.  10 years and racing for the same owner with over 34 wins is a great accomplishment, let’s just hope he keeps us all on the edge of our seats.

 What do you think… is he going to continue racing for Joe Gibbs?  Is he going to fulfill his contract or will he pull out early?

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