rpm.espn.com: Blame: Penske, Jeremy or Rusty?

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Monday, January 21

Blame: Penske, Jeremy or Rusty?

ESPN.com

We asked our users whether Jeremy Mayfield could rebound with Ray Evernham or if he was just a flash in the pan with Penske. Here are some of the comments:

Penske is like a yoyo -- he goes Indy, then CART, then IRL. Mayfield is much better off with Evernham. He will also get better and faster cars with the Dodge. I hope he can win one.

Don Howard
Tipp City, Ohio

Mayfield is a big flash in the pan. He is just a big joke! He will not win any races in 2002, unless he wrecks 42 cars on race day.

Jeff Buckner
Louisville, Tenn.

I have been a fan of Mayfield's since he started in the Mobil 1 Ford Taurus and believe that machine was not the ride that was meant for him. With Evernham by his side with a new sponsor and as good as Dodge did in 2001, Mayfield should rebound with an impressive show hopefully with a few wins in 2002.

Kevin Moyer
Douglassville, Pa.

Yes, I think Mayfield can put the last two years behind him. He is still in his prime and he shows a lot of talent at times. I believe a lot of bad things happened at Penske which helped contribute to his decline. In 2002 with Evernham's leadership Mayfield will be back in the top-10 and win several races.

Dick Hone
Celina, Ohio

Mayfield will rebound and show he is indeed one of the best drivers on the circuit. Poor chemistry and sup par equipment held him back the past two seasons with Penske. A top ten finish this year and a Cup championship within the next three seasons are my predictions.

Bill Klaiber
Ironton, Ohio

I think Jeremy will have a OK season. Maybe, he gets back on track and becomes more consistent and finishes better. But, I would think in having Rusty Wallace as your teammate the last few years and a great owner he would of had everything anybody would of dreamed of. I really don't see him much of a factor this year. Yes, I know he will have Bill Elliott as a teammate but I can't see that being anymore beneficial than Rusty.

Michael Dressel
Peru, Ind.

If Jeremy Mayfield realizes that to win you have to keep the car in one piece, he'll do fine. Maybe a top 10, at least top 15. If he drives like he did last year, he'll have a tough time getting a ride in a go-cart.

Dan Sullivan
Butte, Mont.

Mayfield will rebound this season! He needs his own setups instead of trying to help Rusty Wallace run in the top-five every week. I think he got tired of being a R&D team for the No. 2 car! With the right team, this guy can run with any of the top drivers!

Chris Prock
Arizona City, Ariz..

Ray Evernham is trying his luck with a new Smokin' Gun. I know that Ray will work his magic and get a win out of Mayfield. However, Mayfield will work his magic and give Ray his fair share of DNFs. I think Atwood will surprise us all and finish better than Mayfield in the points.

Chris Giebel
River Forest, Ill.

One of the all-time best at taking a top-5 car and finishing 34th! Not even Evernham can help a no-talent driver like Mayfield! He should be in the Busch series AT BEST! Maybe ARCA is a better bet ...

Randy Munson
Brooklyn, Wisc.

He was a flash in the pan. A few good races and nothing more. I believe Evernham made a big mistake replacing Atwood with Mayfield, he will regret it in the long run.

Roy Thweatt
Las Vegas

It was Penske who nearly ruined his career. Mayfield did finish 13th in points about 40 out of the top 10 in 1997 while driving for the No. 37 without Roger Penske. Now that he is with Evernham who can give him dependable equipment, he can and should do very well.

Mark Robinson
Lexington, Ky.

Getting away from chronic complainer teammate Rusty Wallace should help Mayfield get his head back into racing. And teaming up with a proven winner in Evernham should put Mayfield back in victory lane. GO 19!

Cheryl Keogh
Leominster, Mass.

I think Mayfield's attitude problems will make him a flash in the pan driver. He is an angry child.

Howard Billington
Mahopac, N.Y.

I think Mayfield is way to inconsistent in his racing and qualifying. I don't think he will be any better with Evernham racing. I watched him put other racers out of the race including his own teammate.

Scott Bertke
Coldwater, Ohio

I suppose if Ray Evernham's goal was to have a good showing at Pocono twice a year he hired the right guy. Mayfield publicly bad-mouthed one of the best team owners all of motorsports has known and rightfully was fired. And to top it off, Mike Wallace made Mayfield look like a chump by running up front every week and almost winning Phoenix. Maybe Mayfield will continue to run poorly, blame other people publicly and get fired once again. Then maybe Mike Wallace can once again clean up the mess. When you get fired Mayfield (and you will), you won't be missed.

Todd Michaels
Lake Mary, Fla.

Absolutely, he'll lead all Dodge drivers in wins. Maybe not in points because his aggressive driving sometimes gets him into trouble. His new teammates are mature men, not jealous little whiners who demand being in the spotlight. That's the reason he'll be back at the NASCAR banquet after the season.

Seth Wood
Highland, Ill.

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