Mayfield To Leave BDR, TGOM to Join Blaney Show

Bill Davis Racing announced today that driver Jeremy Mayfield has decided not to return to the #36 team next year and wants to explore other opportunities.

Mayfield:

"I've been in this sport long enough to know that it takes time to bring a brand new car up to speed in what is probably the most competitive racing series in the world.

"When I made the decision to move here to BDR with an untested car and a sponsor completely unfamiliar with NASCAR, I knew it would be somewhat of a gamble. I believed then, and I believe now, that Toyota has a bright future in the Cup Series and is making progress every weekend. You only have to look at their success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and now in the Busch Series to see where it can go.

"I think Bill will be successful in resolving the issues that have hampered the #36 team this year. But I think I have delivered what I can to the effort and looking at the total picture-what's best for me, what's best for the team-I believe this is the right time for me to consider other opportunities. I can assure you, we will do our best to build on the first half of this season and put the #36 in front in this second half of the 2007 season."

I can't be the only one wondering if Mayfield decided on his own that now was the right time to consider other opportunities or this is PR speak for, "You're outta here at the end of the season. If you want to save face, we're willing to say it was your decision."

Whatever the case, it's not like Mayfield has gotten to drive a lot this season. I'm sure a change of pace would suit him just fine. I just hope he's realistic about the opportunities available to him in the Cup level at this point.

The Mayfield news comes not too long after BDR announced that Tommy Baldwin will reunite with the #22 car to serve as Dave Blaney's crew chief. Obviously, they're retooling things over there.

Speaking of Blaney, the Dave Blaney Fan Show has invited me to call in to the show tonight. I intend to oblige them, however, at the moment my schedule is a little iffy so I'm not sure exactly what time. The show airs from 8-9:30PM on Quickest Lap Internet Radio.

What are we going to discuss? They didn't say, but I'm pretty sure it will be related to the Blaney Challenge. I'll tell ya what (ha!), I'm really enjoying the Blaney fans.

Update: I tried several times but was unable to get through on the call-in line. I'm telling ya, the fans are passionate. They kept the lines busy! Next time!

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-09-2007 @ 12:16AM

DOC Friend of 10 said...

tallglassofmilk
You say you could not get through? Are you saying you were not given a special number that only you could call and get through to participate on the program? How could anyone at QL let this opportunity get away while hundreds of those Blaniacs are waiting in the bushes for tallglassofmilk?
Go Buckeye Bullet.
To all of you who call yourself Blaniacs, I say enjoy the ride.
And to you Ms. Milk. I see Dave Blaney is still in "35th". So far it looks as though he is taking advantage of the guarantee and hanging in there.
Till the end, Have patience!
DOC Friend of 10

8-09-2007 @ 5:47AM

Greg said...

Hey 'J' you have an open and private line to our live radio show anytime! We broadcast in front of a live audience at Disney every Tuesday, it's a lot of fun...email me k?

8-10-2007 @ 5:37PM

Rt 7 Badger Brave said...

Tallglassofmilk
I guess you are right on this one? Taking advantage of being 35th in points is important. Dave Blaney is in the race because of rain and being 35th in points. Now all he needs is to keep the wheels on it, the engine in it, keep from getting booted by anothe yahoo driver or his pit crew from making a mistake and he will still be in 35th next time.
See all ya at Sharon Speedway Tuesday. I'm picking Tony Stewart to blow the doors of everyone but Alan Dellinger, aka Jim Dandy, in the e-modified challenge.
I also see there is a Dave Blaney fan club meeting, a band, and a dinner. Should-a bought-a membership.
Rt 7 Badger Brave.

8-11-2007 @ 3:41AM

Don Emerson said...

Why all this fuss over a mediocre driver like Dave Baloney? I'm sure he's a nice guy and all that, but he is never going anywhere in Nassycar. If the high point of his season is to finish in the top 35, he might want to set his sights a little higher.Has anyone ever explained to him that you can "win" one of these races. Gimmee a break.....geez

8-11-2007 @ 10:02AM

john wilson said...

i think jeremy can drive a race car.. but can he stop rocking the boat..seems like every where he goes its ok for a couple of years and disaster strikes..he needs to settle in some where and do his job, thats all

8-11-2007 @ 10:30AM

Rt. 7 Badger Brave said...

There has to be a problem we don't know about. If a person can't work with Bill and Gail Davis then something is wrong. Who knows? It might be a sponsorship situation. The owners and drivers never tell all because if they open theri mouths they would never find a ride elsewhere.

Good Luck to Jeremy.

8-20-2007 @ 11:26AM

don said...

Jeremy is a good driver,he just needs a good team and a little luck, remember when he was leading by a mile in the 19 car with a white flag and lost a tire? You are not bad when you finish in the top ten for the year. Mayfield never gets any respect.

8-20-2007 @ 1:43PM

Mayfield was driving the mobil 1 car when he blew a tire on the finish lapp. I had said the 19th.