Well, who is going to take over the number 5 or possibly a new number for Hendrick? Could it be Mark Martin part time, with Brad Keselowski filling in for seat time? Mark still has it going on even at the ripe old age of 49, but will that be the best thing for him and for Hendrick? I know he gets along well with Jeff, Jimmie and Junior and I have seen them talking a lot this year. I know Mark has always been impressed with Hendrick Horsepower and Ingenuity!
Brad is a class act. The kid is a great driver with a lot of talent and a great attitude. He has enough humility to keep him from having a huge head about his talent, yet he is aggressive enough to hang with the best of them! I think he would do very well with the team and I personally would like to see him do well, as he steals Joey Lagonos’ thunder!
As for the other option, Clint Bowyer is no longer available as he signed an extension with RCR. I like Clint a lot more this year. He is a good driver and a genuine person without the huge ego of some drivers. I would have welcomed him to Hendrick, although it is not going to happen now.
The other rumor is Hendrick being the DREAM TEAM, as if we weren’t already!!! Yes, with the inclusion of Mr. Tony Stewart! WOW, that would be great. My son would be forced to be a Hendrick fan! I would love it! Tony’s talents as a driver go without saying. We would have 8 championships between the guys! WOW! Tony could handle the professionalism of the Hendrick boys. He has it in him and being with other winners would just strengthen the whole group! We could have Tony as a driver and he could still be a part-owner in HAAS. Brad and Mark could drive for HAAS (well, maybe). It’s all Hendrick engines anyway! Tony would be assured that his ties to Chevy would not have to be severed, as I would be mighty surprised if Rick Hendrick ever made a break from his relationship with Chevrolet.
The only other driver that I would love to have would be Matt Kenseth. He is a class act himself! Anyone that could put up with what he has had to (I will avoid stating the obvious), would definitely enjoy the Hendrick group and be an asset to the teams as well! Matt is one of the best drivers and would fit right in. I know this is probably not even a possibility, although I do hope Matt leaves Rousch soon.
Based on any of these scenarios, Hendrick only stands to be strengthened and improved. I must admit, from a personal standpoint, I regret losing Casey. He is a great guy and a good friend to the Hendrick guys. I am sure Rick is having a hard time letting him go from a personal standpoint. But business is business! Look at Brian Vickers; he has done very well this year and survived leaving Hendrick, even given his past relationship with Ricky. Casey will do great wherever he ends up.
Regardless of what happens, which we should find out soon…I think we will all be pleased. Rick is a great businessman and father-figure to his guys. He is also a good man and I am sure no matter what he does, he will be blessed and continue to be successful in all his endeavors!
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2.0.5.4/467 Tue Sep 9 21:52:50 UTC 2008
8 Comments
camel1977
Jun 29 2008 14:31
Brad Keselowski
Itd be cool to see Brad Keselowski move up and do as good as Jimmie did after the big move, but Smoke would be a great addiction to a killer team.
Jimmie48Chad
Jun 28 2008 12:13
Great blog here buddy !!
.......Pondering on our new teammate …..... ??
Tony Stewart (for the ULTIMATE dream team)
Matt Kenseth (huge chunk of talent & quiet strength)
Martin Truex Jr (same as comments on Matt)
I’m hoping it boils down to these three choices
Shark01
Jun 28 2008 11:46
who is it going to be???
I can’t see Smoke competing against him self if he partners up with HAAS and runs with Hendricks at least not at this point of his career. The Mark Martin and Brad Keselowski Co driving the 5 car sounds good even Truex Jr sounds good
josieloves24
Jun 28 2008 11:42
GREAT blog JMar!!
It’s funny because when it was first brought out that Tony might leave JGR, my husband said, “well, bye Casey”....I’m sad to lose him as well, but I agree that he’ll find his way. Good to see you blogging again my friend!
29dntc9
Jun 28 2008 11:35
Casey Mears
I have nothing against the guy, but he’s been a huge disappointment with his lack of success, IMHO. Couldn’t get-r-done @ Ganassi, and only won once while at the premiere team in the garage.
rubbercatfish
Jun 28 2008 11:34
Great blog! Great insight!
I’d like to see Kenseth go to either Gibbs, HMS or RCR,
Just get himout of Roush. Sure, Roush did alot for him, but Roush tends to switch things around wether they are needed or not,. (Carl/ Osbournring a bell?)
Marytin would make a great fit at HMS and sharing withBrad would be a great way to bring Brad up to speed without Pushing him in the Cup series to fast. Then(this is my idea) Martin could run split time with any and all new Nat guys for HMS. Martin could get the perfrct part time ride he likes, but Hendrick would have an awesome mentor for the potential new drivers. It’s a win/ win situation!
29thebomb
Jun 28 2008 11:23
Kennseth?
I’m hoping RCR gets him for the 4th car.
bigjr88fan
Jun 28 2008 11:08
smoke in the 5
would love to see Tony in the #5 next year