In case you hadn't noticed, Kyle Petty hasn't been in a race car since May for the Coca-Cola 600.Since then, a number of things have taken precedence over him returning to the No. 45 Petty Enterprises Dodge. First, it was his daughter's wedding, then he had the six race TV commentator stint with TNT. Last weekend at Indy, Petty put Terry Labonte in the car to make sure the No. 45 made the race thanks to Terry's past champion provisional.
And after that Brickyard tire fiasco, it was pretty obvious that he made the right choice to not be behind the wheel.
But, after missing seven straight races because of the other commitments, Petty will also miss this weekend's Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway, instead having young gun Chad McCumbee in the driver's seat.
Petty is supposed to return to the No. 45 for next weekend's road course event at Watkins Glen -- at track he won at in the early 90's. Terry Labonte, though, will be in the car for the race at Michigan International Speedway the following week.
So, in total, Petty will have intentionally sat out of eight races in 2008 which seems pretty significant for a driver who is supposed to be a full-time driver in the Sprint Cup Series. To me, this just furthers the thought that Kyle Petty needs to put some deep consideration into retiring as a full-time driver.
And I say that because I think he could devote himself to many other roles both in and out of NASCAR that he would be simply marvelous at. One of those would be taking a bigger role in the TV commentator business -- something I think Kyle is great at.
And of course, he would still have the two Victory Junction Gang camps to operate as well as having a the leading role in Petty Enterprises.
The results haven't been good for a while in the No. 45 Dodge for Petty, and potentially putting a driver in the car that would truly have nothing else on his plate than driving a race car both during race weekends and testing could make a big difference for the team as a whole, including Bobby Labonte's No. 43.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-30-2008 @ 10:47PM
johnie said...
I have been a Kyle Petty fan all my life. I have endured countless attacks on my man Kyle by friends and those who see nothing but the winners circle. Kyle Petty is a talented,talented, driver who somewhere lost his passion. I know he could be great again. I am devoted and will continue to root for my CHAMP!
I do, however, realize that his climbing out of the race car for good may be very soon. I just wish that it was not so much of a fading away because we all know it is much better to BURN OUT!
On track or off, Kyle Petty and the things he does out of the race car make him the all time Champion to me.
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7-30-2008 @ 11:14PM
CJ said...
Well, i hope that Kyle finally stops embarassing himself and gets out of the car next year. If his only reason he stays in is to gain attention for Victory Junction Gang, then he doesnt need to be in a ride at all. Guys who have the desire to win races and championships and hasnt been in that position since about 1992. To make Petty Enterprises a better organization, they need two dedicated guys who can get it done behind the wheel and Kyle doesnt fit that mold. I could see him trying to qualify for some races in a part time ride next year, but his selfishness has cost the 45 car to fall out of the top 35 and it's been a pain to try and get it back in the top 35.
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7-31-2008 @ 3:35AM
Dwayne said...
Kyle is still a great driver,But we have to rember he lost his son ADAM in the #45 car.I bet every time he gets in the 45 car,It brings back that tragic day.He is devoted to his familey,the business,and most of all the fans,the KIDS with the VJGC and the KYLE PETTY charity ride.I had the pleasure of meeting him and his familey and eating lunch with them in MARTINSVILLE,VA,they are a down to earth kind of people,If Kyle never gets in a race car again,he and his father will always be my HEROS,(this is written in memory of ADAM PETTY)
7-31-2008 @ 6:36AM
Don Emerson said...
It's clear that Kyle has lost the desire to race, and has just been going through the motions for some time now. Truth be told, I don't think he ever really wanted to a race car driver, but was pushed into it by his father. At one time early in his career, Kyle wanted to leave racing and try his hand at country music. He probably wouldn't have made it there either. He is not only an average driver, but an average singer also. As for his announcing career, he still has a lot to learn about the business. I'm not sure he'll stay interested long enough to learn the trade or not. He's laid back kind of guy who seems content to go along with the flow and will more than likely drift into several other fields before he goes to that big track in the sky. Bottom line....Kyle's a nice guy and I wish him the best as he travels the road ahead. Works for me.......
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7-31-2008 @ 8:05PM
Can't stand Don Emerson said...
I really can't stand that Don Emerson. He always has something negative to say. He will trash you then condescendingly end things with something nice. Reminds me of Carl Edwards. He seems like the kind of guy that doesn't quite get it all when he wipes.
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8-01-2008 @ 12:16AM
anna seitter said...
CAN'T STAND WHOOO?LOL
Is this your idea of a joke? Are you serious? lol
These blogs would be as boring as nascar today's days without
EMERSON trashing something or someone. He even trashed my body driver tony stewart . works for me...
I got a pretty good idea of who this can't stand blogger is. LOL
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8-01-2008 @ 1:41AM
Don Emerson said...
Ahhh....the sweet smell of sucess,(pun intended) yet another fan gained by my wisdom and wit. As for me not getting it all when I wipe, hey I'm not as lucky as you. Someone like you, who is born with their head up their ass is bound to have an advantage in that dept. Works for me......
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8-01-2008 @ 3:32AM
anna seitter said...
LMAO EMERSON I LOVE YOUR REPLY.
You know can't stand..... has gotten one thing right and that's carl hatewards. Yep can't stand, that's why carl last name was changed to hatewards, he has a hating condition.
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8-10-2008 @ 9:58PM
Lynnila Tenski said...
A BIG fan of Kyle Petty. He should get to race! He will know when its the right time to step out of the car for good. As long as he's having fun that's what matters. My boys are both dirt track racers in the modified class and they are not the fastest cars on the track but they get out of the car with a smile on their face because they are having fun. Kyle have fun and I hope to see you on the track!!!
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8-14-2008 @ 1:06PM
RBY said...
If you know the sport, then you realize a lot of the comments are fans, not people than know the sport. Petty Enterprises, like some of the other teams, race with less than Tier 1 equipment. Do you really believe the same guys would finish in the top 20 week after week, unless they've got superior cars? Bobby is running the wheels off Tier 2 car, and Kyle, a Tier 3. I agree, Kyle, is getting closer to retirement, but his driving skills are still there. Give them the equipment, a 3rd car for Chad, next year, and let Kyle be just a driver after so many years of trying to make sure the company stayed alive. Maybe corporate thinks blaming Kyle, will bring in new sponsorship next year? Big business is heartless, and usually wrong before they're right.
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