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Debbi Willis, Daw613@bigfoot.com

Changes

Change is usually good. Of course in today's economy, sometimes change is all that's left in your pocket! However, I'm not talking about monetary change, but the kind of occurences that cause a difference in what was and what is now. Definitively, change is to make different the form, content, nature or future course of something. So, for the most part, change helps keep new blood flowing into organizations and promotes a creative atmosphere. The only constant in today's fast paced life anymore is change!

Of course, some change shows excellent results right away, such as when Larry McReynolds was given to Mike Skinner- practically a match made in heaven! And the change was obviously good for Dale Earnhardt too! Opportunities often present chances to make changes as well. Dale Earnhardt Inc capitalized on changes made in other organizations when they picked up Steve Hmiel for the team/operations manager position and Paul Andrews as the crew chief for the Steve Park team which has apparently been good for all involved! And with the departure of Ray Everham from Hendricks Motorsports, change (and controversy) is definitely in the air. I doubt Gordon's fans had any idea that their own favorite driver was actually behind it all!

Jeff Gordon's season has been less than stellar compared to his usual previous seasons of all out domination at any cost in any way. Actually, for me, I've rather enjoyed seeing the "normal" mishaps and racing situations strike the 24 team this year. I just had no idea, he and Ray were, in reality, so preoccupied with their future plans that they more than likely caused this mediocre season themselves. In light of the announcements this past week on Gordon's lifetime contract and part ownership equity in the Hendricks operation, obviously Gordon has had a great deal more than just driving on his mind. Consider the following quote from Jeff Gordon in an article on Nascar.com NASCAR Online: Gordon signs 'lifetime' agreement with Hendrick, "This is something Rick and I have been working toward for quite some time, and it enables me to take a more active role in the overall management of the No. 24 team," Gordon said. "I know I have a great deal more to offer this team than just driving the car and I am very excited about getting more involved. This is a great feeling, because Rick has built something here that is really special and now we can take a long-term approach to seeing where we can take it next."

I've heard Gordon say he doesn't know much about stock car racing, but now, he thinks he has so much more to offer them! And what could be next? More money (just how much does one need once you surpass the multi-millions mark)? More championships (sure, maybe)? More "no values" examples for the youth? (no doubt)! I wonder if Terry's wishing he had known all this before he signed his new contract. And, I'd bet Tommy Baldwin is really glad he stayed with Bill Davis/Ward Burton now and maintained his loyalty and verbal agreements with them. Loyalty, there's a unique thought! It's been the backbone of the one car team of Bill Davis and the foundation for their good season this year.

I have to wonder too, how it must feel for Ray to have been in negotiations, practically from the start of this season, to become a team manager for the overall operation and probably, a part owner too and then find out his own driver was undermining him all along with his own personal aspirations. Surely, no one can accuse Gordon of being unambitious. By Jeff's own words in the quote, this has been going on for "quite some time." Betrayal crosses my mind real quick here. All those flowery words of friendship, loyalty, the best "team", a great working partnership, are meaningless now. The partnership between Ray and Jeff and how well Jeff performed under Ray's direction and endless coaching was almost admirable. I actually feel bad for Everham since it appears the future he thought he had with Hendricks was destroyed suddenly. Ray continues to maintain professionalism with the BGN team, though it's been noted that their partnership may dissolve. If the rumors are true, Mopar may be very lucky very soon!

The flip side of all this action in the Hendricks operation could be that Jeff let Ray know he wanted more of the operation, part ownership etc, and Ray agreed to get the air cleared and decided so he could step aside for Jeff. Of course, that is a bit farfetched but I like to leave the door open for a positive possibility here. Maybe Mopar was pressuring Ray for a decision too. Of course, this is speculation only, and only time will tell as the truth usually reveals itself somewhere along the line. I know many Gordon fans are asking the same questions as alot of this deal doesn't add up. More money, more prestige, more of everything usually finds an end in itself eventually. Where change is good for new ideas and new blood, it can be equally detrimental when change brings about one persons own ambitions sooner than he's earned them or at the cost of others along the way. Gordon is young, boasts great records in his career, appears to have been on the fast track all his life! However, he may have just fast tracked himself off the more worthy track in life with this move. Then again, maybe Hendricks and Gordon are the real match made for each other!

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