Mayfield/Atwood news

Elwood · November 15, 2001

I just heard on RPM 2 Night that Jeremy Matfield will be driving the #19 Dodge next year, and Everham Motorsports is buying part of the #7 team, Casey Atwood will be driving that car.

Interesting.

Everham just said in his interview that Atwood will be with them for along time, but moving him to another team, that he only owns part of doesn't sound to me like he has as much confidence in him as he would like us to believe.

November 16, 2001

Whatever happens, I hope Evernham takes good care of Casey. He is having a decent rookie season.

Jpshostr · November 16, 2001

I hope that Atwood doesn't get lost in the shuffle either. He went through a pretty difficult situation, both being a rookie, new team, and new line of cars, in pretty good shape. Looks to me like the kid has a lot of promise.

General Lee 01 · November 16, 2001

I don't get it.....

Why wouldn't Evernham just put Mayfield in the #7 and leave Atwood be??

Elwood · November 16, 2001

Personally, I think Atwood is getting the shaft. He worked all year with this team to develop a good chemitry and they're starting to turn out pretty dang good. Now Everham brings in a veteran who he knows can race and puts in the ride, and sticks Atwood with the lesser team.

Everham doesn't want Mayfield in the lesser of the two teams, but he doesn't care if Atwood is or not. That's just my opinion, and maybe I'm way off. But it kinda looks that way, especially after all the talks he had to have with Atwood throughout the season and the rumors he was going to lose his job.

MountaineerTom · November 16, 2001

Quote from Elwood, posted on Nov. 15 2001,10:56

Personally, I think Atwood is getting the shaft. He worked all year with this team to develop a good chemitry and they're starting to turn out pretty dang good. Now Everham brings in a veteran who he knows can race and puts in the ride, and sticks Atwood with the lesser team.
Everham doesn't want Mayfield in the lesser of the two teams, but he doesn't care if Atwood is or not. That's just my opinion, and maybe I'm way off. But it kinda looks that way, especially after all the talks he had to have with Atwood throughout the season and the rumors he was going to lose his job.

Well, you got to it before me, but that's kind of what I think too.

Kansas Kid · November 16, 2001

Quote from MountaineerTom 99Z71, posted on Nov. 15 2001,10:00

Well, you got to it before me, but that's kind of what I think too.

I agree with the both of ya. I think Casey is getting the shaft big time on this deal. Of course, I don't like Mayfield so that might be influencing how I feel.

General Lee 01 · November 16, 2001

Well, it's official.

Bill Elliott will stay the same (#9 Dodge Dealers Dodge).

Jeremy Mayfield will be in the #19 Dodge Dealers Dodge.

Casey Atwood will be in the #7 (Sponsor to be announced later) Dodge.

November 16, 2001

Don't sell Ray Evernham short. he may be putting Casey's crew with the #7 team, and a good sponsor as well.

I think if I was Ray, I would definitely put proven winners in my primary cars. Elliot and Mayfield have that distinction. Casey is doing well, but still has some growing to do in the WC scene. I do hope to God that Ray isn't dumping Casey off and that he will continue to feed and nurture him.

One of the biggest rookie problems today in WC is that every team needs a Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart and there aren't many guys out there with rookie seasons like that.