WOW!! Talk about your quick turn around. I mean I knew our boy and the 18 team were good, but in all honesty I didn’t expect Rowdy to make such a quick recovery from all the traveling he’s done the last two weeks. Nor did I expect the 18 team to be this good this year. I was ready for Kyle to slow down his weekend racing a long time ago and glad he did, but will miss seeing him race all weekend. I really wish he would have given the Truck series a few more weeks as I’d like to see Billy get that owner’s championship, but Kyle’s got to do what is best for him and his main sponsor. At this point in the season, M&M’s/Mars Inc. and Interstate Batteries must be feeling like they just got the best deal ever. Kyle has not only won 5 races, but has now passed the number of wins he had in his first three years and 6 races at HMS. So, why does he have the sudden explosion of success this year?
Rowdy has always been good, but one thing was missing before… the 18 crew/team. The best driver out there is only as good as those behind him and the chemistry was never right with the 5 team. Though they did well and Kyle placed higher in the points standings every year, they just didn’t have the right connection. Whether it had something to do with Kyle not being able to be himself at HMS or the team just constantly put too much strain on each other to be comfortable as a unit is something only they know. Whatever the reasons, the best thing that ever happened to Rowdy was separating from the team and becoming part of the 18 team.
So you’re probably wondering why your crew chief just brought all this up. Simple… it’s time to give credit where credit is due. What better weekend then where that team took a junk car and turned it around so quickly. The chemistry on that team is unbelievable and together they took a car that qualified 30th and practiced horrible all weekend to Victory Lane. Though Rowdy was doing what he’s done every week he’s had to start toward the back and drive right up through the field like it was nothing, that wouldn’t have been possible with out the work from a team that is as driven as him to do what it takes. None of them know how to give up and work terrific as a unit. Kyle never stops thanking them and that’s because he knows as well that the chemistry is there and that’s what has made it possible for him to be at the complete top of his game. So, the strategy, driving, and awesome pit stops this team is known for once again brought home a win. This time however, everything started for them when they gave it everything from the day the car first hit the Infineon until the celebration after Kyle took it across the stripe in 1st. Way to go guys and looking forward to what you all can pull off at New Hampshire. After all, you do have the best driver out there right now.
On a personal note, I’m so sorry to this crew. You guys have really made this considering how fast it has grown and I’m not giving you my best this week or anything at all last week. I’m trying to find work that I can work around the kids since I’m down here with no family. I’ll keep doing the best I can for ya’ll, but I really am sorry to all of you that have taken the time to join this crew and read the blogs. Hopefully something will come together soon for me and I’ll be able to schedule things around it.
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2.0.5.4/467 Tue Sep 9 21:52:50 UTC 2008
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(you must be a member of this group to comment)TARRAT103
Jun 27 2008 23:01
Nice read...
....jerky…no doubt that kyles success is a refleXion of the total team’s effort…
your day to day is far more important then worry’n about us cazy’s
good things in moderation allways leaves ya’ want’n more…
-
great job as usual…
jgrkybluvs18
Jun 27 2008 13:47
Thanks Penny, 18, and Carson
Doing all I can for ya’ll.
I got it all on a complete documentry of him from the very beginning to getting on with HMS.
Carson I know he knows how to work on the cars as well. Did you know he actually thought that if he couldn’t race at least he could be a crew chief? Then he started winning.
carson1943
Jun 27 2008 11:16
something you might not know
he knows how to work on the cars with setups too like the older drivers. This much I know cause I watched him for 4 days in jan racing speedfest 08 at lakeland fl. fantasic show.
18packAbs
Jun 26 2008 22:11
Very nicely put there Chief
and Bravo to the 18 team. You should never consider putting this Crew or Members ahead of your own Family. We are thankful for you passion and insight, but respect your schedule as it pertains to your current situation. Good luck on the job hunt, and hope you can work it all out. We don’t want to miss ya.
RowdyPenny
Jun 26 2008 21:37
Definitely
the crew of the 18 needs a Standing O – they are really doing their job well – Rowdy even said that the communication is awesome between him & Steve and how that relates down to the crew – Great Job #18 Crew Chief & Crew – keep our boy coming to front of the pack!