Labbe Gets Lobbed Under the Bus
Although I didn’t see this coming, it certainly isn’t a surprise. Statement on the Leadership for the No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Charger:
“As part of this change, Richard “Slugger” Labbe will no longer serve as crew chief for the team. Kenny Francis will continue to lead the team as he has the last three years, and Mike Shiplett, currently the car chief for the team, will share Labbe’s duties with Francis. Slugger Labbe made good contributions to this team this year, and we wish him well as he pursues other opportunities.”
Guess that shows the end product of only one win in 32 tries this year. You also have to wonder if Mayfield is on the hot seat as well. With only 5 Cup wins since entering NASCAR full time in 1994 he may be a target for the axe.
NASCAR, Auto Racing, Sports
I’m not a fan of Slugger at all, so I’m not sorry to see him fired. I think he’s looking for that “Perfect Job” but it’s hard to get a perfect job when you aren’t a great crew chief. I guess he’s headed to Yates now, huh?
I haven’t heard any rumors as to where he would be going. With the added presure that comes with the Chase format changes will be made and more of them.
Where in many cases in the past a points race came down to one or at most two drivers competeing for the Cup, now with 10 bunched up at the ten to go mark there is more presure to perform.
Before a 7th place driver and crew chief could be 300-400 points out and could say, “well we had a good run there’s always next year.
Now the same personnel in 7th place is only 30 points out, if they stink up the place and don’t compete they may get a pink slip.