rpm.espn.com: Split decision on Evernham's move

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Saturday, December 8
Split decision on Evernham's move
ESPN.com

We asked our users whether Ray Evernham made the right call in replacing Casey Atwood with Jeremy Mayfield. Here are some of the responses:

No, I don't think Ray Evernham made the right decision. I think Ray still tries to compare all young drivers to Jeff Gordon. Just look at what Jeremy Mayfield did in the 12 car this year vs. what Mike Wallace did. Maybe a change of scenery will do him good. Long term, I think Casey has a higher upside both as a driver and fan support.

Greg Stockwell
Nashua, N.H.

Atwood is a future talent and needs only to gain experience. Any time you have the opportunity to add a driver like Mayfield, you must.

Roscoe Godfrey
Rocky Mount, N.C.

I'm not sure Jeremy Mayfield was the right choice for the No. 19. If he can be motivated to perform to his utmost week-in and week-out, he may be a top 15 driver. I think Ray Evernham may be able to do that, but Jeremy has got to WANT to win.

Roger Pfendler
Kill Devil Hills, N.C.

Absolutely not. Atwood's season did not match the expectations of a Rookie of the Year favorite. Evernham went for the quick fix in Mayfield, when he should have been more patient with Atwood.

Steve Torrens
Medford, N.Y.

It was probably more of a desperate move than a smart one. Evernham loves to win and he had all he could want with Gordon. When he took the Dodge operation over he thought if he can put everything in place he would win more. He did not. So instead of waiting for Casey to get use to his crew chief and team (like he was doing in the last three races) he went for Mayfield who was a winner, but really was not a dominant driver in good equipment (Penske south). I would give the move a five on a scale of one to 10.

Bryan Jones
Saint Pauls, N.C.

No, replacing an improving rookie with a driver that has only shown flashes of brilliance can be very detrimental to Atwood. Especially considering that Atwood could have been the next Jeff Gordon. Evernham made Gordon and knows what it takes, unfortunately, he may have also destroyed Atwood.

Dan Steadman
Spartanburg, S.C.

Yes, it is better for both parties in Mayfield getting the 19 ride. That will give Casey seat time and Jeremy can move up to Bill's ride when he retires. Then Casey will be more experienced and still have a mentor/team player to work with as he develops into the future of NASCAR dominance. This will also give Ray a better chance to develop his teams with experienced drivers, and varied backgrounds. Besides, I am a Mayfield fan from '96 till the day he retires.

Richard Tilley
Franklin, N.C.

Casey Atwood is not Jeff Gordon. Ray made the right call to shift Casey to Jim Smith especially in light of his better performance the last three races of the 2001 season. I don't think Ray and Casey really "clicked" like he and Jeff did. It appears Evernham Motorsports suffered as a result of what Ray had to do for Dodge. Look for a difference next year when Ray can put his full attention to Bill and Jeremy's cars!

Jessie Collins
Orlando, Fla.

Sure, if Evernham is just looking forward to being competitive at Pocono every season.

Keith Deaton
Indianapolis

I think Evernham should have allowed Atwood to stay behind the wheel of the No. 19 Dodge simply because Atwood showed himself to be a classy rookie driver who learned well over the season and was visibly better towards the end of the year. If Ray Evernham felt that Casey was too young and inexperienced then why did he sign him to a WC deal last year?

Luke Davies
Manhattan Kan.

I don't think it was the right decision. Casey is already a better driver than Mayfield. If Jeremy Mayfield wasn't a problem then why did he get fired? My loyalty is with Casey.

Corey Patty
Monticello, Ind.

How can Ray do that to his X-Driver and think nothing of it. He has said "Casey is the future of Evernham Motorsports." If that's how he treats the future of his team, I feel bad for the team. I hope it gives Casey even more motivation for next year and beats the crap out of the 9 and 19. Lets go '7'.

Ryan Wilkerson
Irmo, S.C.

Jeremy's experience should improve the team greatly and I am looking forward to Jeremy and Casey being teammates when Elliott retires as well as right now.

Paul Reepmeyer
Albany, N.Y.

Yes, I think Ray Evernham made the right decision. Casey needs more one on one and Jeremy is experienced at racing. Too much was expected from Casey to be the next Jeff Gordon. Give him time and he will contend for the championship.

Kathy Fanzo
Lewistown, Pa.

This is a difficult decision. I think any time you can get a good driver you should take it. However, I also believe that Casey has the skills to be a star in NASCAR. From the outside I think you can very easily say that this was a demotion. However, if Evernham and Smith give the kid the cars he needs to win, I would have no issue taking a lower profile position to get my experience.

Doug Farmer
Warrenton, Va.

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