Ugly divorce for Petty/Smithfield, Almirola out...

[jessn16]

This is the latest Jayski update on the situation. This is a mess: www.espn.com/jayski/cup/2017/story/_/id/20656963/smithfield-moves-stewart-haas-racing

Basically, Smithfield all but called Richard an outright liar, directly. Also looks like Almirola is going with the deal and will replace Danica at SHR.

Looks like we're running Darrell Wallace next year in the 43 with a patchwork sponsor situation, and may be buying cars from someone to even get in races. I have to think at this point they take a second look at the Childress merger, it may be the only thing that would keep them competitive.

Guys, absent a miracle of some sort here, I think it's time to shut it down. If we end up with Wallace in a part-time ride next year it will be a sad end for Richard in the business. Also, the charter on the 44 expires this year; we have to field two cars in order to keep the charter next year and that's not going to happen. This really is the beginning of the end, IMO.

Jess

[djblue43]

"Guys, absent a miracle of some sort here, I think it's time to shut it down."

I have to admit that I've been thinking the same thing for a few days now. I think that maybe Richard hit the nail on the head when he said that he "come from a time when we did major deals......on a handshake." We all know that things have changed more in the past 20 years than in any other time in history. Maybe it IS time that RP left NASCRAP behind. We all know that it has, for sure, left us behind. What is on the track now is not the way racing is supposed to be. Heaven knows that at 80 years of age Richard has nothing to prove to anyone and has no reason to stay except for his love of the sport. Except the sport is no longer his sport. This forum is my only interest in racing now because NASCRAP isn't my sport either. Richard has the garage, the camp and a few other things that can easily fill his time. He doesn't need racing any more and I'm not even sure that racing wants him.

[lugnut]

I have been going to a couple of races every year, following Richard and the 43 team. I renew my seats for Charlotte, It has been a great time for me but the kind of racing that NASCAR has evolved too it is getting old. Don't know how long I will be going to these races. I may just stay at home in the future. We have a nice concrete track here in Clearwater with some great super late model racing. Hate to say it but it is what it is. Really sad.