Joe Gibbs Racing
They started with 17 employees and now have 400 and Coach Joe believes, “The best years are still in front of us.” They have no less than six drivers under development for this year. They announced they are now partnered with Starter and Nike so I hope they can make some shoes that will stand up to walking the pits and garage for a race. Bottom line: see Hendricks bottom line.
Penske Racing
Yes, the Penske Racing shop is that big. All of his racing teams are now in one compound. (Kevin Thorne photo)
No more Penske South, it’s ALL here, now including Indy and ALMS (American LeMans Series) teams and cars. They’ll do 90 races with 159 entries this season from this facility. That’s a ton of work. Roger wants to build a test track on the 70 some acres he’s got left and he’ll likely do it. Ryan’s got a new crewchief so let’s see if he can get back on track. Ever wonder how it all started for “The Captain?” His Dad took him to Indy in 1951 and he wanted to go back. Now, he ‘owns’ the joint.
Day Four
Breakfast with Wood Brothers/JTG Racing
Key words: ‘Ride Sharing’ as the next generation, Jon Wood, steps up into Cup. That means Ken Schrader won’t be driving the famous #21 for all the races. He says, “At first I thought it would be tough when I sit out that first Cup race, but now I don’t think it will be. I’ll be somewhere else racing that weekend, except I’ll get to run Friday, Saturday and Sunday instead of just on Sunday.” This team has long range plans that see them as a four-car team by 2012. That’s a long way from when they used to cherry-pick races and usually win them. (Re: David Pearson.)
Foreground: Kasey Kahne’s new paint for ’07. At right: Avenger COT back wing visible. Oops! The #9’s qualifying time for the Daytona 500 was disallowed because of aero enhancements outside the rules. Penalties will likely be announced just after you read this. (Kevin Thorne photo)
