I am sure there is a lot to it, more than we will ever know.
But I'm also sure that whatever Don committed to financially to bring Tim and Kim out of retirement was no small amount. I have no idea how much, but I would guess 6 figures a year several times over for the two of them. Tim & Kim are obviously in a financial position to retire, so I can't see them both coming out for $80K or $90K a year....
So Tim & Kim make a commitment to DSR, Ron Capps, Napa and the team to be the crew chief(s). No small commitment on their part considering the dollars involved and the national stage in which they operate.
Likewise, DSR makes a commitment to them to provide the paycheck and all the resources to compete for a championship. I imagine DSR spent considerable time and money bringing them onboard. Meetings with multiple sponsors, contracts, schedules, uniforms, changing parts and pieces over to Tim's way--you name it. A lot of work, a lot of money.
Whatever took place, Tim & Kim didn't like it so they left. In the middle of the season. We've all made commitments we wished we wouldn't have, but you gut it out and keep your word because that's the right thing to do. Did Tim & Kim get wronged somehow that made the situation unbearable? Possibly, but we haven't heard that at this point.
If Don said "test Monday" and they didn't like it, tough. If there were conflicting personalities, that is a crew chief's job--to get the sum of the parts to mesh and produce. Did Don say something that offended them? Possibly. Is that reason to walk out on their deal? Personally, I don't think so. IF production was the point of contention, dig down and get to work. IF testing Monday was the only issue, stay and test. But don't walk out.
I don't think any DSR team lacks for parts or funding or resources, so I don't think that is it.
Seems like Don is more than open with his rightful demand for his teams to produce. Produce or you will be replaced. He always says that they owe it to the sponsors. But Don said he was shocked, so I don't think it was an ongoing thing more than the normal course of business.
If, as someone else stated, they were ready to go back into retirement, why would you make such a huge commitment in the first place? It's not like it was their first rodeo. Don't you think it had to be more than that that spurred them to leave?
For having such a strong opinion about the situation, I admittedly don't know much about it other than what Don said. Typical keyboard crewchief, eh?
I also admit as a business owner I have a keen appreciation for how much time and money goes into recruiting and then losing an employee, while the employee is free to breeze in at no expense to them and then split at no expense to them when their panties get in a bunch. They get paid for their time, whether productive or not, and are free to leave on their whim. I'm OK with that system because the business owner enjoys the spoils of profit (hopefully!), but I was taught to honor my commitments whether they tasted good or not.
I wonder if Don did something to not honor his commitment to them? Or was it feelings hurt? Could it really all be over working a Monday? I think at that level you go beyond feelings and working your day off and do your job the best you can.
Rant over!
What I lack in post count over 5 years, I'm making up for in sheer volume!
