By the statements made by some in this thread, it can be concluded that they do not have a clue as to what goes on behind the ropes and at the shops with these teams. Some who claim to be a "great businessman", by his statements has shown he is a very inadequate judge of talent in regards to team owners, crewmembers, crew chiefs, etc.
Every person and team goes through ups and downs. Sometimes you take a step back to incorporate a plan that hopefully will make you better at the proper time. The Bud team has been doing just that. With a little digging, facts could be found to verify what is really taking place so that assumptions don't have to be used to make "dumb" remarks about quality people doing their job in the best manner they know how.
Most sponsorships are not started or continued based upon being a constant winner. More exposure and return for the sponsors investment takes place away from the track. But since the team is the marketing tool, there is much that goes on at the racetrack, and sometimes owners/drivers/crew chiefs have pressing business to take care of immediately and with the time constraints and their mind busy, they don't always use the proper demeanor to convey this to a fan that wants their time.
And it would behove many to understand who actually has some ownership in some of these teams. It is not always public knowledge, but it does affect what positions are filled by who. Just as it is in all businesses, talent is not the only criteria for hiring, firing, success or failures of teams and crew chiefs.
Even Virgil Hartman isn't immune to embellishment. I guess I am a little surprised that you feel the need to say "great businessman" when I never said such a thing. "Dumb" also is a very telling statement coming from a former team owner on a forum like this. Not impressive.
I'm a small businessman who has been very fortunate not to make the same mistakes three times over... I'm not asking for anybody's respect, because it doesn't matter and I really don't care. I do however feel that I have a sliver of common sense.
The point is this, I have my right to my opinion as anyone else, and in usual Mater style, it gets ugly fast when the opinion isn't the popular, nausiating, @ss kissing variety.. It does surprise me, and makes me a little sad that you fall into the same flaming catagory as some of the others here.
I have had my lessons on this site, so nothing surprises me. I do remember how I was totally assaulted a couple of years ago when I called out a certain team owner who's name rhymes with Evan Knoll for trying to BS the world. While I was being hung for public consumption, ( and 95% of the membership did take a bite), everybody else was sending him a get well card...
I didn't think it took much common sense for most to see what was going on, and boy, I was wrong about that one. Only a few could see through the smoke, and only one would support me... I'll expect more of the same after this post.
Anyway, I disagree with your concept. Winning "is" everything. Lots can be said for the hard working team who can support his or her sponsor with shows and autograph signings at their various franchises, especially in the middle of a robust economy and in the middle of a three year deal. I do however believe more is said when your guy is the world champ, or making headlines in a motorsport that is losing popularity among fans and losing corporate attraction and the money that comes with it..
I don't know Rob Flynn. He may be one hell of a wrench, a great man and a superb talent. If he is, he will be just fine, and it will be up to Kenny Bernstein to determine that, and he will get it right. Be that as it may, it is sponsorship time at Kennys, and I was giving my opinion..
To me, Kenny is "the" class of the sport and needs to be a part of the NHRA. I want to see Brandon next year on the track.
One member mentioned Jerry Toliver and his sponsor successes.
Well, he has had a lot of deals, but how good were they? Did the checks cash?
I can guarantee you that a class act like Kenny Bernstein will be a little more picky with the people he associates and shares his great name and legecy with.
