Sandy, you introduced me to Erin years ago, whatcha think 'bout all this?

(From Thatsracin.com)

Ray Evernham suggests Erin Crocker would be better off with new team

By MICHAEL MAROT - The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS – Ray Evernham still believes Erin Crocker can compete in NASCAR. He’s just not sure it should be with his team.

Evernham, for the first time, publicly acknowledged Friday his relationship with the 26-year-old Busch Series driver may have damaged her career and that she might be best served by changing teams.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that because of the personal relationship between Erin and I it hurt her career,” Evernham said. “The proper thing to do, and something her and I would like to do, is move her to another race team. I think the girl has a lot of talent. But if I sit here and say to somebody, ‘Look, she’s got a lot of talent, you should sponsor her,’ my credibility is not good because of the personal relationship.”

Crocker has been driving for Evernham since 2006 in the ARCA and Busch series. She also raced trucks last year when the two first were rumored to be romantically linked.

Former driver Jeremy Mayfield even filed a court injunction to keep his job with Evernham Motorsports, alleging the team’s performance suffered because Evernham was distracted by his “close personal relationship” with Crocker.

Evernham denied that claim as his three-car team prepared to practice for Sunday’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

“We did our part to not let it affect our performance,” he said. “A lot of things were written and said that weren’t true.”

This season, Evernham’s team has struggled, forcing the team owner to get more involved with the details. He’s more active in the garage, strategy sessions and has increased his part in communicating with drivers.

Now, Evernham’s trying to help find Crocker a new team.

“I think the best thing for us to do is to help her go racing,” Evernham said. “We gave Erin a chance last year, and we probably moved her along too quick. ...She’s a darn good race driver.”

What was that old song....? "Gotta slip out the back Jack, make a new plan Stan, find a new way Ray....".

Its also kinda off that the article states Evernham denied that claim that his team suffered because it was distracted, but, this year "Evernham’s team has struggled, forcing the team owner to get more involved with the details. He’s more active in the garage, strategy sessions and has increased his part in communicating with drivers." WTF?

Guess I am making it kinda obvious I am not a big fan of Ray, huh?

Top,

She is a real sweetheart of a person. I know she was too well brought up to be a "home wrecker" so it must have been a real powerful love for both him and her. He is a pretty upright guy, pretty darn religious, you do not swear around him. It was just a bad deal for both.

I think Erin has driving talent, but maybe not for NASCAR right now or ever. I think he moved her around way too soon, she should have stayed in ARCA alot longer and got some experience and credibility. He did damage her career in my book and I am not sure anyone else will take her on now. If he can find a friend he can ask a favor of he might get her on another team. It was a bad move for them to get involved, but some things can't be stopped, the human heart especially. I am just glad it wasn't a flash in the pan and that they are still together because it has hurt her career and at least something "good" (?) came from all of it.