Yates last event (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Jer
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The Counterfeiter
Nitro Member
Mike - That's what I am hearing, and it could be more than one team.
As I've stated elsewhere, the entire sponsorship picture for NHRA is dismal.
Paul Berglund
Nitro Member
I sure hope that Jim gets a new ride...He is way too good and too nice of a fella to not be racing at every event.
"Dr. Dirt"
Nitro Member
You'd have to ask Ken Black to know for sure what it takes to run up front? I suspect he'll be reluctant to divulge his investment.
Chili
Nitro Member
I'm not too sure if Jim Yates is done. When Dave Northrop announced he was returning in Atlanta, the article reffered to sharing information with Yates for this season. NHRA News: Northrop to return to Pro Stock competition in Atlanta (4/17/2007)
BaldyLochs
Nitro Member
Man, how can someone who was once sponsored by friggin McDonalds wind up in this situation? I too have to believe and hope that this won't be the end. I'm sure Jim will be around, even with another team, maybe not driving, etc. He's a great guy and we need people like him on the tour.
Part of the problem is NHRA gets the money from Sponsors to cover thier costs and makes it hard for teams to tap the same money stream. If I am paying for a piece of the show why do I want to pay for a single player.
The question is how come a company like WAl-Mart doesn't do more in auto racing. They have killed many companies that were racer friendly. Race cars don't run on fuel, they run on dollars.
Jim's a good guy and "SHOULD" be able to get something going. He is a 2 time champ. But he is not 18 or female and thats what NASCAR has done to all racing. If you are 24 and not on a top teams program you are to old.
The question is how come a company like WAl-Mart doesn't do more in auto racing. They have killed many companies that were racer friendly. Race cars don't run on fuel, they run on dollars.
Jim's a good guy and "SHOULD" be able to get something going. He is a 2 time champ. But he is not 18 or female and thats what NASCAR has done to all racing. If you are 24 and not on a top teams program you are to old.
Johnny Mopar
Nitro Member
Wasn't Jim's McDonalds sponsorship when he ran under Larry Minor's banner? I seem to remember Minor's Mickey D's deal originated through his potatoe farm and it's relationship selling product to McDonalds.
I agree that the loss of Jim would be significant. My wife and I were guests of his (and Jerry Bickel) at a Topeka race back when Jim had the big #1 on his window. That was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. He qualified #1, had a #1 on his window, and then won the event! My favorite pic is the 8x10 with his team and car in the winners circle. Watching Maskin tune the Big Chief, and Jerry tune the chassis was like watching an all-star team prepare for battle. This Mopar man was more than happy to wear a Pontiac shirt all weekend long!
Jim and Toni, as well as Jerry Bickel, were great hosts. First class people for sure.
I agree that the loss of Jim would be significant. My wife and I were guests of his (and Jerry Bickel) at a Topeka race back when Jim had the big #1 on his window. That was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. He qualified #1, had a #1 on his window, and then won the event! My favorite pic is the 8x10 with his team and car in the winners circle. Watching Maskin tune the Big Chief, and Jerry tune the chassis was like watching an all-star team prepare for battle. This Mopar man was more than happy to wear a Pontiac shirt all weekend long!
Jim and Toni, as well as Jerry Bickel, were great hosts. First class people for sure.
I seem to recall that Larry Minor originally had a deal with McDonalds for single TF car, but it expanded to three cars (TF/FC/PS) when Joe Gibbs got into NHRA ownership. I believe this is when Yates ran under the Gibbs and McDonald banners with Cruz (FC) and Cory Mac (TF).
Joker
Nitro Member
Wal Mart makes so much money they could sponsor every team, but there so widely known that they dont have to advertise. Everyone knows who they are.
Jim is a good guy and I hope he finds some $$$ to keep racing. But you are correct about the 18 and female deal partly. I am amazed that Hillary hasnt gotten a sponsor yet. Enders not having one sorta surprises me as well but not as much as Hillary.
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