my friends call me Zappy
Nitro Member
When asked about the deal Todd said it was only for this race for now. Perhaps Connie will give another driver a chance next race..........( Melanie Troxel) I hope.
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Grubnic out, Todd in.
- Thread starter Bubba
- Start date
J
Nitro Member
HEMI6point1
Nitro Member
Seems like too many people here are afraid to speak (type?) off-the-cuff, so I'll do it here.
There's no doubt that Connie is a great businessman and a legend but....
....to fire a driver mid-race because he two-stepped it in QUALIFYING? I can see getting pissed if he did it in eliminations but qualifying? Really?! He couldn't wait until at least after the race??
I have also seen him brush off fans, I should know because I have first hand knowledge: At this year's winner's circle at Gainseville me and pops saw him signing stuff so we went over to him. As soon as pops asked if he could sign a piece of memorabilia he said "gotta go!" and sped off. He did it once before a few years ago as well.
Seems to me that Connie has a case of "grouchy old man syndrome."
There's no doubt that Connie is a great businessman and a legend but....
....to fire a driver mid-race because he two-stepped it in QUALIFYING? I can see getting pissed if he did it in eliminations but qualifying? Really?! He couldn't wait until at least after the race??
I have also seen him brush off fans, I should know because I have first hand knowledge: At this year's winner's circle at Gainseville me and pops saw him signing stuff so we went over to him. As soon as pops asked if he could sign a piece of memorabilia he said "gotta go!" and sped off. He did it once before a few years ago as well.
Seems to me that Connie has a case of "grouchy old man syndrome."
mike
Nitro Member
There are no sponsorship problems with this car. This weekend is just a special edition paint job for it bud.
Mike.
DAN
Nitro Member
Disappointing. To dismiss a long-time driver during QUALIFYING just doesn't add up.
Whatever it may be, Connie's reaction to this is way over the top.
Kalitta's group stuck together despite Doug's nor Dave's car reaching the winner's circle in forever. There's also been a few 'yips' during race day already this year - Crampton (Gville), Dejoria (Gville) etc. Shit happens. The performance of that car lies on Connie's shoulders - it's his R&D tuneup. Every driver will jump the tree like that once every so often.
If Optima or Candelwood were drawn to that deal because of Grubnic, it doesn't always suggest that the funding will stay put.
Connie shoulda slept on it. Not a fan of this move.
As for Dixon - great driver, but I think he has every intention of running his own deal at this stage in his career.
Whatever it may be, Connie's reaction to this is way over the top.
Kalitta's group stuck together despite Doug's nor Dave's car reaching the winner's circle in forever. There's also been a few 'yips' during race day already this year - Crampton (Gville), Dejoria (Gville) etc. Shit happens. The performance of that car lies on Connie's shoulders - it's his R&D tuneup. Every driver will jump the tree like that once every so often.
If Optima or Candelwood were drawn to that deal because of Grubnic, it doesn't always suggest that the funding will stay put.
Connie shoulda slept on it. Not a fan of this move.
As for Dixon - great driver, but I think he has every intention of running his own deal at this stage in his career.
That's obvious since Connie fills the holes with his personal business $$. Candlewood left the team so I would suspect that means Connie is spending more of his own $$ on that car.
BaldyLochs
Nitro Member
How it went down is rather bizzare. Why not atleast finish qualifying, or just put the car on the trailer not make any more runs for the event? Get the car and crew home and then come up with a game plan. To call in a guy sitting at home is surprising; why not have Del run it? Atleast for this race - or someone like a Terry Haddock? I'm sure it was a heat of the moment decision, with blood boiling - which Connie has a history of. I've seen him screaming, throwing tools and physically push people who work for him..... then 30 minutes later they're all laughing about it and life goes on. Still it all goes back to who pays the bills. His money, his rules. I just told my Dad about this; he was friends with Connie and Doug Sr. when they were in Junior High School. Dad chuckled and said Conrad has been like that since he was 14; he's never backed down from anyone, and never will.
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clwill
Nitro Member
I'm quite sure Connie didn't just blow his lid over the two-step in qualifying. That kind of thing is usually a result of something simmering for some time, and the two-step was just the last straw.
As for why JR and not someone else, there is a huge chemistry thing going on -- obviously -- see previous paragraph... If a quick phone call and plane ride can get the right guy in the seat, I don't see why you wouldn't.
As for why JR and not someone else, there is a huge chemistry thing going on -- obviously -- see previous paragraph... If a quick phone call and plane ride can get the right guy in the seat, I don't see why you wouldn't.
rick
Nitro Member
I don't see getting fired for a two step in qualifying. Just about every driver out there as did a two step in their career at some point if they have did it long enough.
I don't remember anyone saying Dave Grubnic being fired, but I can't help but get the feeling that something has been simmering for awhile behind the scenes since JR Todd being brought in mid race. That's odd.
I don't remember anyone saying Dave Grubnic being fired, but I can't help but get the feeling that something has been simmering for awhile behind the scenes since JR Todd being brought in mid race. That's odd.
.
Nitro Member
Uh, maybe because he's already driving a FC?
Larry jr.
Nitro Member
Del;s in the funny car and I thought Haddock is driving Nasty Daves AA/FA at the IHRA race in Texas.
I was NITRO BREATH
Nitro Member
That's what ive been wondering. what kept dave in the car. was it money he bought into the deal?? the car didn't do much over the past few yrs. {but either did doug} dave has been a bright upbeat presence at the races and on tv. but really wasn't winning many rds. now that dougs car is really turned around I thought dave would start to prove.
