Marcos Ambrose and JTG/Daugherty?

Question

It was announced earlier this week that ESPN race analyst and former NBA star Brad Baugherty has become a partner with JTG racing: http://www.nascar.com/2008/news/headlines/cup/07/16/mambrose.daugherty.team/index.html

"Daugherty, 42, said Tuesday that he has become a partner in JTG Racing that currently fields two Nationwide Series cars, and that JTG/Daugherty Racing will have a Sprint Cup Series ride in 2009 with driver Marcus Ambrose."

a) What do you think of Daugherty's foray back into an ownership role in NASCAR (he used to have an interest in a truck team), especially now as he will be one of the very few black owners in NASCAR - and I believe the only one in Sprint Cup - as well as continuing his role as a race analyst for ESPN?

b) What do you think of the decision to field a JTG/Daugherty ride in Sprint Cup with Marcos Ambrose? Do you think they will be competitive?

Answer 1

a) I have to wonder how Brad was able to swing that with ESPN and all. The reason I say that, they wont let Rusty move his team to cup, he has stated that on TV numerous times because he is announcing for ABC/ESPN. Dont get me wrong I think its great he is breaking new territory in Nascar

B) Im Ok with Marcos moving to cup, I think he has earned his shot to be there but with a first year team its gonna be tough unless they can get some help from some other Ford teams.

Answer 2

I love Ambrose getting a Cup ride.  However, I'm afraid the equipment and team have the words "go or go home" written all over them.  I'm not impressed Daugherty as an analyst at all.   Gonna be a big struggle.  Ambrose will be a "project" on ovals and will definitely destroy his share of sheet metal, his and others.   But he is gonna be a sponsor's dream... I like him, wish him well, but wish he was going to a more established team.

Answer 3

Hate to say it, but it'll be a disaster in the team's 1st year.

Answer 4

Hmmm...on the road course he (Ambrose) showed alot of promise though the following week at NHMS, I can't say the same.

a) I say all who wants to give it a shot then by all means. Though ESPN somewhat does have a conflict of interest now as far as their Nationwide & Sprint Cup Series coverage goes. Having 2 owners on commentary. But if they could make it work with Rusty for Nationwide then it shouldn't be a problem for Brad in Sprint Cup.

b) It ambitious, & he does run well in Nationwide, but I'm not to sure about the Sprint Cup. Remember now with the COT, thats even more of a different beast than when they use to run similar looking cars. I'm not sure about their competitiveness. I'd say if they survive beyond 2009, that would be a learning year for sure.

Answer 5

The team will strugle to stay in the top 35