Anyone see Ward on Wind Tunnel?  I missed it, and don't see anymore
reruns of it (except this am, which I also missed)  Anyway, heard he
is still talking with 2 teams, says a 50/50 chance of getting in a
car.  Wish the Official Ward Burton site would update us on this
stuff.  So I guees its is good news, better than no news (which is
what we have been getting)!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you are interested in getting in early with a racing publication
that could have you working in Racing, please email Ellen at
ellen@...

The newsletter is currently working on it's media credentials and is
looking for dedicated nascar fans to get involved.  The Newsletter
covers Nascar as well as local tracks.

If you are interested email Ellen today!
We urgently need reps in Michigan, NC, Kentucky and more!

Hey whoever is in charge of the description area, at the beginning of
this site------  Lets have an updated story.   The one there is from
2003, I think we can do better than that!!!!!!!
I missed the interview with Ward last weekend, darn!!!!!   Sounds
hopeful though.

--- In wardburton2@yahoogroups.com, tex22_us <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> ok anybody know if this site is gone for good or did they just change
> the name. arvgal, do you know anything about it?
>

nice to see  ya again, tex.

merse renewed the www.22fastforward.com website.  he's been busy but he
got it back for us.  sorry it took so long to reply...i've been out of
town.

Ward to Yates? from LastCowboys.com: ... couple of little birdies
have told
me in the last couple of weeks that Ward Burton is off the market in
terms
of driver availability. And while it is claimed that this
information comes
from people we would all consider `official' type people,
these `official'
type people are being coy in regards to whom or what has taken him
off the
market. One rumor that has gained momentum has Ward taking over the
#88 UPS
Ford owned by Robert Yates Racing when Dale Jarrett bolts for
Toyota. Again,
Jarrett hasn't officially said that he is going to Toyota, but he
hasn't
exactly denied it either. Another little nugget of information
floating
around out there states that if Jarrett bolts, UPS will stay with
Yates, but
they don't want the next `potential' Cup star. They want a proven
competitor, not just some cat with little or no
experience.(LastCowboys.com)(5-11-2006)

Watching the Nextel practice on speed channel today...interview with
Ward...Ward looked great!
Said he had been talking to some people but did not want to say anthing
was in concrete! After the interview, the comentators were talking
about how much of a fan following Ward still has and how it is almost
like that game..."Where's Waldo" except we want to know where is Ward?
So may I suggest all of us Ward fans keep hounding Nascar
about "Where's Ward"

I have ask the question everytime I get the chance...on the
Frontstretch, Nascar.com, & etc.

Have a good weekend...
Brenda/Arkansas (Mark Martin country!)

Actually UGA78 is just a semi frequent poster on 22fastforward.com
who's been overseas in the military.  Merse owns the site, has for
years.  He must have let the domain name expire.  I've lurked on
that site for years, reading daily, never posting.  Don't have the
time.  But I sure do miss my daily fix, espeicially with this newest
hot rumor.  Best rumor in a year, I'd say.

tjm



--- In wardburton2@yahoogroups.com, "tomdatkins" <tomdatkins@...>
wrote:
>

> --- In wardburton2@yahoogroups.com, tex22_us <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > ok anybody know if this site is gone for good or did they just
change
> > the name. arvgal, do you know anything about it?
> >
> Here is th eguy that runs that site. My uderstanding is he has
been
> outside th eUS and just moved back. I think he's active military:
>
> "Back for good...hopefully
> Yes, windowlicker, I am back in the states. I know I was absent
from
> the 22fastforward page for a while, but when you make a
transatlantic
> move with an infant it is tough. I am in Arkansas for the next
four
> years and it is nice."
>
> http://bbs.lastcowboys.com/BBSViewThread.asp?PostID=2753
>
> Saw him post over where they are talking about Ward and Tommy back
> together with E-Sadler as a Team mate. With Yates horse power mind
you.
> This would be the best ride Ward has ever landed, and I'm just
flat
> giddy due to the fact that it has yet to be denied and DJ is
expected
> to make the Toyota statement this weekend....
>

--- In wardburton2@yahoogroups.com, tex22_us <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> ok anybody know if this site is gone for good or did they just change
> the name. arvgal, do you know anything about it?
>
Here is th eguy that runs that site. My uderstanding is he has been
outside th eUS and just moved back. I think he's active military:

"Back for good...hopefully
Yes, windowlicker, I am back in the states. I know I was absent from
the 22fastforward page for a while, but when you make a transatlantic
move with an infant it is tough. I am in Arkansas for the next four
years and it is nice."

http://bbs.lastcowboys.com/BBSViewThread.asp?PostID=2753

Saw him post over where they are talking about Ward and Tommy back
together with E-Sadler as a Team mate. With Yates horse power mind you.
This would be the best ride Ward has ever landed, and I'm just flat
giddy due to the fact that it has yet to be denied and DJ is expected
to make the Toyota statement this weekend....

Maybe they're upgrading the site to 99fastforward.com  :-)




--- In wardburton2@yahoogroups.com, tex22_us <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> ok anybody know if this site is gone for good or did they just
change
> the name. arvgal, do you know anything about it?
>

http://www.lastcowboys.com/GetContent.asp?ContentID=398
"If Burton isn't in a Cup ride by the time the Pepsi 400 rolls around,
I am going to Daytona Beach, and I am going to set myself on fire in
front of the NASCAR headquarters. Wait....on second thought, that would
hurt a lot. Who do I have to light up to get something done in this
sport? What do I have to do to get a straight answer from Ward's
people? I swear to God, I will take a squirrel hostage or put a
blindfold around a redwood tree and put a gun to its head....er, trunk?
Anyway, I'll do whatever it takes to get some straight answers."

I may just head to FL and hold that squirrel down so he can tie'm up.

Ward and Tommy B back together again?
With a solid Team?
Don't tease me like that, it's ALMOST to good to believe.

ok anybody know if this site is gone for good or did they just change
the name. arvgal, do you know anything about it?

This is for everyone on my list: Thanks for your time!
Thanks also for crossing my path in my life. One comes
across someone for a reason. So Thank You For Your time,
teachers, friends, family and so many more.
---
>     A young man learns what's most
> important in life from the guy next  door.
> It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man.
> College,  girls, career, and life itself got in the way.
> In fact, Jack moved clear  across
> the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush
> of his  busy life, Jack had little time to think about
> the past and often no time  to
> spend with his wife and son. He was working on his
> future, and  nothing could stop him.
> Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. BeBelserdied
> last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed
> through his  mind like an old
> newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood
> days.
> "Jack, did you hear me?"
> "Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's  been so long
> since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought
> he  died years ago," Jack said.
> "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him  he'd
> ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many
> days you spent  over 'his side of
> the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.
> "I loved that  old house he lived in," Jack said.
> "You know, Jack, after your father died,  Mr. BeBelser>
stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your
> life,"  she said
> "He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I
> wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He
> spent a lot of time teaching  me
> things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for
> the  funeral,"
> Jack said.
> As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the
> next flight to his hometown. Mr. BeBelser'suneral was
> small and uneventful.  He had no
> children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed
>  away.
> The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom
> stopped by  to see the old house next door one more time.
> Standing in the doorway,  Jack paused for a moment. It
> was like crossing over into another dimension, a  leap
> through space and time The house was exactly as he
> remembered. Every  step held memories. Every picture,
> every piece of furniture....Jack stopped  suddenly.
> "What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.
> "The box is gone," he said
> "What box?" Mom asked.
> "There was a small gold box that he kept locked on  top
> of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what
> was inside. All  he'd ever tell
> me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.
> It was gone.  Everything about the house was exactly how
> Jack remembered it, except for the  box. He figured
> someone from the BeBelseramily had taken it.
> "Now I'll  never know what was so valuable to him," Jack
> said. "I better get some sleep.  I have an early flight
> home, Mom."
> It had been about two weeks since Mr.  BeBelseried
> Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note
> in his  mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one
> at home. Please stop by the  main post office within the
> next three days," the note read.
> Early the  next day Jack retrieved the package. The small
> box was old and  looked like it  had been mailed a
> hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read,
>  but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold
> BeBelserit read.  Jack took the box out to his car and
> ripped open
> the package. There inside  was the gold box and an
> envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note  inside.
> "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents
> to  Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my
> life." A small key was  taped
> to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his
> eyes,  Jack carefully unlock ed the box. There inside he
> found a beautiful  gold pocket watch.
> Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched
> casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these
> words  engraved:
> "Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold BeBelser
> "The thing he  valued most was...my time"
> Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called  his
> office and cleared his appointments for the next two
> days. "Why?" Janet,  his
> assistant asked.
> "I need some time to spend with my son," he  said.
> "Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"
> "Life is not measured  by the number of breaths we take
> but by the moments that take our breath  away,"
> Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100%
> true.
> 1. At  least 2 people in this world love you so much they
> would die for you.
> 2.  At least 15 people in this world love you in some
> way.
> 3. A smile from you  can bring happiness to anyone, even
> if they don't like you.
> 4. Every  night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go
> to sleep.
> 5 You mean the world  to someone.
> 6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
> 7. You are  special and unique.
> 8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you
> want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to
> do
> what's  best, sooner or later, you will get it or
> something better.
> 9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something
> good can still come from it.
> 10. When you think the world has turned its  back on you,
> take a look: you most likely turned your back on the
> world.
> 11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
> 12. Always  remember the compliments you received. Forget
> about the rude remarks.
> 13.  Always tell someone how you feel about them; you
> will feel much better when  they know and you'll both be
> happy.
> 14. If you have a great friend, take the  time to let
> them know that they are great.
>
> Hi Friends,
> Send  this letter to all the people you care about, if
> you do so, you will  certainly brighten sosomeone'say and
> might change their perspective
> on  life...for the better.
> To everyone I sent this to: "Thanks for  your time"
>
>


ZG Still a ward fan support the Ward Burton wildlife foundation

The song "This is NASCAR" is available for a free download at
www.thisisnascar.com The radio has been playing the song like crazy
and I like the song myself so I thought I would share what I found.
It's pretty cool.

Excause me?!?!?!?! I am a HUGE Ward fan but your remarks are WRONG!
Kyle was NOT the only driver to make that remark I can tell you that!
Every driver on that track has had a day like this and I can promise
there have been things said that make that comment look like childs
play! Kyle is the NOT the snotty ,childish kid, have you forgotten his
drunken idiot brother? THAT IS a snotthy, childish driver....Add to
that Tony the Whiner , Jeff G. the jerk..... we all have opinions
about drivers and NONE of these drivers are saints,as a fan of racing
you have to take the good days and bad days and WE ALL have them! So
next time you have a bad day and speak out remember that someone is
going to say something about you behind your back ..... and why??
Because you said what you thought! I think you should stick to being a
Ward fan and hoping he gets a ride .... I even remember Ward saying
things on national TV that I am sure offended many. Do you remember
that comment about a 50cal rifle on the top of his car? Have any
comments on that one? I didn't think so! GO WARD ! WE MISS YOU!








--- In wardburton2@yahoogroups.com, marilynw13 <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> I really was offended by the remark he made after the race. "I HATE
> THIS PLACE AND CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE"
> i love the State of Fl. and we love Racing, Here you have a really
> stupid remark from a snotty , childish kid, and WARD BURTON DOESN'T
>  HAVE A RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Whats wrong with this Picture????
>
> I already emailed Kelloggs this morning to let them know 15 family
> members and close friends START THE BOYCOTT OF Kelloggs today.
> If you agree or not let me know.
>
>
> Marilyn Sue
>

I totally disagree with you Tom.  There is no way that Ward Burton is retired
from something that he loves so much.  You watch and be patient, he will get an
opportunity from a good established team to drive again.  Even if it is in the
Busch series or Truck Series.  I have recently read that he has a good chance to
drive for Ray Evernham Motorsports, however, it would be in the Busch Series,
and I bet you he takes the offer.
   Thanks for letting me express my opinion.
   Noreen Remington

wardburton2@yahoogroups.com wrote:
   There is 1 message in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

1. I guess Ward is retired
From: "tomdatkins"


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 01 Feb 2006 21:54:21 -0000
From: "tomdatkins"
Subject: I guess Ward is retired

It's a shame he is letting the business of Nascar define what should
be his best years in racing.

I can understand the way he feels after the treatment he was handed
by some of these teams. That's the main reason I wanted to see him in
the trucks. At the end of the day I understand the ride makes all the
difference, after all is Jeff Gordon that much more talented than
Kyle Petty? How would Jeff's career turned out if he had stayed with
low dollar Bill?

When one team spends 15 million a year and the other only spends 5,
why are we shocked when talent is overlooked?

Can the cream really rise to the top when it's buried under millions
of dollars?

Seems Nascar is now a bunch of marketing teams that squeeze in a race
once a week, and the drivers are hired by the appeal to the 18 to 35
year old demogrpahic's, not by talent or due's paid. It wasn't that
long ago when you were 30 to 35 before you got a shot at a cup ride,
now at 35 your over the hill.

I'd like to see Ward back in something, if for no other reason than
to let us fans know that Ward will determine when he has reached the
end of his racing career, instead of letting the "buisness" that
Nascar has become make that call for him.

I went to Lowe's last fall and after hanging out in front of
Trackside with a "hire Ward" sign for the better part of a weekend, I
came to the conclusion that Nascar just wasn't fun for me anymore.
It's not the same sport my dad took me to see in the early 70's.

I can remember going to Talladega and camping in the infield and you
could count on a lot of the same folks showing up year after year. I
don't see any of those folks anymore, they have been fading ever
since Dale's last win there.

I have supported a lot of different drivers over the years, but as I
look at where this sport is and where it's headed, I find it hard to
be a fan of what I see.

I wish you well Ward in whatever you decide to do, just do us fans a
favor and let us know something. It's very depressing not hearing
anythng for so long. If nothing else sit down and write a book, I
know I'd love to read what you really think and how Nascar racing
really works.
Tom






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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I completely agree with you Marilyn!

   Noreen Remington
   Aurora, Illinois

wardburton2@yahoogroups.com wrote:
   There is 1 message in this issue.

Topics in this digest:

1. Kyle Busch
From: marilynw13


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Message: 1
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 13:03:14 -0000
From: marilynw13
Subject: Kyle Busch

I really was offended by the remark he made after the race. "I HATE
THIS PLACE AND CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE"
i love the State of Fl. and we love Racing, Here you have a really
stupid remark from a snotty , childish kid, and WARD BURTON DOESN'T
HAVE A RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Whats wrong with this Picture????

I already emailed Kelloggs this morning to let them know 15 family
members and close friends START THE BOYCOTT OF Kelloggs today.
If you agree or not let me know.


Marilyn Sue





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I really was offended by the remark he made after the race. "I HATE
THIS PLACE AND CAN'T WAIT TO LEAVE"
i love the State of Fl. and we love Racing, Here you have a really
stupid remark from a snotty , childish kid, and WARD BURTON DOESN'T
  HAVE A RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.Whats wrong with this Picture????

I already emailed Kelloggs this morning to let them know 15 family
members and close friends START THE BOYCOTT OF Kelloggs today.
If you agree or not let me know.


Marilyn Sue

I would love to see Ward get a truck ride.  I can't
stand watching Cup or Busch races any more.  It's a
bunch of kids trying to wreck each other.  The truck
series is where it's at for me.  I used to go out of
my way watch Ward in the Cup series, and the truck
races were an afterthought.  Now I go out of my way to
watch Jimmy Spencer, Ted Musgrave, Johnny Benson,
Steve Park, and the Truck Series and the cup series is
an afterthought.

My last race (maybe forever) was Bristol last spring.
After waiting all day Saturday in the 30 degree
rain/snow/sleet, by the time Sunday morning came
around I was all fired up to go racing.  By about lap
300, without having Ward to root for, I was bored.  I
left the track and went back to the campsite and
listened to the rest of the race on the radio where I
wasn't squashed between 2 400 lb. drunks and where I
didn't have to wait in line for 45 minutes to use the
restroom.  It's just not fun anymore.  If Ward isn't
racing, I've got no reason to be there.

Greg



--- tomdatkins <tomdatkins@...> wrote:


> I'd like to see Ward back in something, if for no
> other reason than
> to let us fans know that Ward will determine when he
> has reached the
> end of his racing career, instead of letting the
> "buisness" that
> Nascar has become make that call for him.
>
> I went to Lowe's last fall and after hanging out in
> front of
> Trackside with a "hire Ward" sign for the better
> part of a weekend, I
> came to the conclusion that Nascar just wasn't fun
> for me anymore.
> It's not the same sport my dad took me to see in the
> early 70's.
>
> I can remember going to Talladega and camping in the
> infield and you
> could count on a lot of the same folks showing up
> year after year. I
> don't see any of those folks anymore, they have been
> fading ever
> since Dale's last win there.
>
> I have supported a lot of different drivers over the
> years, but as I
> look at where this sport is and where it's headed, I
> find it hard to
> be a fan of what I see.
>
> I wish you well Ward in whatever you decide to do,
> just do us fans a
> favor and let us know something. It's very
> depressing not hearing
> anythng for so long. If nothing else sit down and
> write a book, I
> know I'd love to read what you really think and how
> Nascar racing
> really works.
> Tom
>
>
>
>
>


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Any word out there on who this possible part time 2006 ride is with
or what series?


Wayne Kreps
Ward Burton Fan Section
http://mysite.verizon.net/bwaaa/wardburton

On Feb 2, 2006, at 3:41 PM, arvgal wrote:
>
> from nascar.com
>
> [B]Upon reflection, Burton wants back in the game
> Year off leads veteran driver to believe he had role in exile[/B]
>
> By Marty Smith, NASCAR.COM
> February 2, 2006
> 04:11 PM EST (21:11 GMT)
>
>
>
>
> SOUTH BOSTON, Va. --- Ward Burton, never one to sugarcoat things, is
> quite matter-of-fact when reasoning his yearlong absence from NASCAR
> competition:
>
> The phone didn't just sit idle. He had opportunities to get back in
> the seat. Just couldn't get excited about any of them. So he held out.
>
> He was a Nextel Cup Series driver, damnit. Anything less was
> unacceptable.
>
> But as one of the most active Silly Seasons in recent memory came and
> went without resolution, Burton began to realize something: Some of
> this is my fault. It's not just going to fall in my lap.
>
> "There were a few offers," Burton said. "It wasn't as good as I'd
> have liked, and some of that is my fault, not being as proactive as I
> needed to be and relying on other people to do things for me.
>
> "I didn't take time within the racing fraternity as I should have."
>
> That's not to say it was time wasted. Quite the contrary, in fact.
> Burton spent the year working on land conservation projects and
> spending considerable QT with his wife and children.
>
> "I needed a little bit of a breather to collect my thoughts and get
> my direction in my life the way I want it to go," Burton said. "So I
> think having a year to spend time with things I'm passionate about
> has been really good for me."
>
> Figuratively speaking, he hit the reset button.
>
> "The loss of that year made me realize how much I love the sport,
> like the competition, like the camaraderie and intermingling with the
> fans, building sponsor programs, all of it," he said.
>
> "Getting a year behind me and not being at Daytona, I just missed
> that a lot. I have the itch to get back and do what I know I can do
> well -- drive a race car."
>
> Easier said than done. Anyone that knows NASCAR knows it is the
> consummate out of sight, out of mind business. Just walking back in
> after a year off is difficult for everyone, impossible for some.
>
> Burton is committed. He plans to be more visible at the racetrack in
> 2006, and is discussing possible sponsorship opportunities with
> NASCAR's brass and other industry movers and shakers "so I can bring
> something other than just myself to a team."
>
> That could be essential. Money talks these days. Burton's quest would
> be far less strenuous were he able to offer sponsorship dollars as
> part of the package.
>
> He is uncertain just how many offers have already come his way, but
> knows of just one hat that currently holds his name. And that team is
> a project.
>
> Amazing. Four years ago, Burton won the Daytona 500, he's one of
> NASCAR's most popular drivers, especially among core fans, and his
> lone employment opportunity is with a start-up team that may or may
> not ever so much as crank an engine?
>
> "I know my name's been put in the hat. It would be part-time '06,
> full-time '07," Burton said of the potential ride. "It's not always
> easy to find a sponsor that will support a Nextel Cup team the way it
> needs to be supported, so it takes a while.
>
> "It's going to have to be the right sponsor, the timing has to be
> right. It's not an easy thing to accomplish."
>
> Burton cited financial backing and resources as other reasons he's
> been reluctant to align with a team to date. Once again, anyone that
> knows NASCAR knows the driver is but one small variable in a complex
> equation.
>
> "The nature of the sport, and how it's changed, has made the driver
> more dependent than he was, even six or seven years ago, on his
> support group," Burton said. "So acknowledging that, I think you have
> to be a little more selective on what you're willing to do and not do.
>
> "There's no guarantees in this sport, but I do want to feel like I
> have a fighting chance before I get there. I just don't feel like
> I've gotten the opportunity I've needed to come right of the box with
> the kind of support it takes."
>
> Many industry experts felt he would get a shot at Hall of Fame
> Racing's No. 96 Chevrolet. He didn't.
>
> "I think Tony [Raines] is a good guy and can do a good job. I think I
> could do a better job, but people like to find someone who can be the
> next whoever," Burton said.
>
> That begs the question, how significant has the youth movement been
> in limiting Burton's progress?
>
> "I think, certainly, it has been [a factor]," Burton said. "The car
> owners are doing tryouts and developing drivers.
>
> "It's different than it was when myself and my brother [Jeff] and
> [Joe] Nemechek and Jeff Gordon and Steve Grissom came from the Busch
> Series to the Cup Series. The nature of that has changed quite a bit.
>
> "It can definitely be a hindrance. I don't think there's any question
> about that."
>
> Raines, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Travis Kvapil, Martin Truex Jr.,
> Denny Hamlin, J.J. Yeley, David Stremme, Reed Sorenson and Brent
> Sherman have all landed Nextel Cup Series jobs since Burton last
> graced the track.
>
> Upon further review, the Busch Series doesn't look so bad.
>
> "I think having had a little bit of time to reflect on it, it's a way
> to get back out there and start meeting some of the new people in the
> sport, do a good job on and off the track and have some fun," Burton
> said. "Most people know I'm not ready to just put the helmet in the
> closet.
>
> Inside the Numbers
> Ward Burton's Cup career
> Year Starts W T5 T10
>
> 1994 26 0 1 2
> 1995 29 1 3 6
> 1996 27 0 0 4
> 1997 31 0 0 7
> 1998 33 0 1 5
> 1999 34 0 6 16
> 2000 34 1 4 17
> 2001 36 1 6 10
> 2002 36 2 3 8
> 2003 36 0 0 4
> 2004 34 0 0 3
> Totals 356 5 24 82
>
>
> "I'm willing to do what I have to do."
>
> And be certain, this is about racing. Burton is a conservative
> spender and has a solid nest egg stashed away. He doesn't need the
> money. He needs the rush.
>
> "Naw, hell naw. It's not about money. Never was, never has been,"
> Burton said. "I don't think, for the most part, any of us are out
> there just for the money. It is an added attraction, no doubt,
> because we all have to make ends meet. But it's not about money.
>
> "I don't know how you determine somebody's rich or not. I don't
> consider myself rich. But the sport's allowed me to do a lot of
> things I would've been able to do without the sport. With all the
> federal programs we've been involved with and conservation and being
> a spokesperson for this or that, being on the board of game and
> fisheries, all that stuff.
>
> "I owe the sport of NASCAR all that. Because really, when it comes
> down to it, I'm just a country Virginian that's been real lucky to
> have some success in racing."
>
> And he's ready to reestablish it.
>
> The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.
>
>
>
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>  Visit your group "wardburton2" on the web.
>
>  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  wardburton2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

from nascar.com

[B]Upon reflection, Burton wants back in the game
Year off leads veteran driver to believe he had role in exile[/B]

By Marty Smith, NASCAR.COM
February 2, 2006
04:11 PM EST (21:11 GMT)




SOUTH BOSTON, Va. --- Ward Burton, never one to sugarcoat things, is
quite matter-of-fact when reasoning his yearlong absence from NASCAR
competition:

The phone didn't just sit idle. He had opportunities to get back in
the seat. Just couldn't get excited about any of them. So he held out.

He was a Nextel Cup Series driver, damnit. Anything less was
unacceptable.

But as one of the most active Silly Seasons in recent memory came and
went without resolution, Burton began to realize something: Some of
this is my fault. It's not just going to fall in my lap.

"There were a few offers," Burton said. "It wasn't as good as I'd
have liked, and some of that is my fault, not being as proactive as I
needed to be and relying on other people to do things for me.

"I didn't take time within the racing fraternity as I should have."

That's not to say it was time wasted. Quite the contrary, in fact.
Burton spent the year working on land conservation projects and
spending considerable QT with his wife and children.

"I needed a little bit of a breather to collect my thoughts and get
my direction in my life the way I want it to go," Burton said. "So I
think having a year to spend time with things I'm passionate about
has been really good for me."

Figuratively speaking, he hit the reset button.

"The loss of that year made me realize how much I love the sport,
like the competition, like the camaraderie and intermingling with the
fans, building sponsor programs, all of it," he said.

"Getting a year behind me and not being at Daytona, I just missed
that a lot. I have the itch to get back and do what I know I can do
well -- drive a race car."

Easier said than done. Anyone that knows NASCAR knows it is the
consummate out of sight, out of mind business. Just walking back in
after a year off is difficult for everyone, impossible for some.

Burton is committed. He plans to be more visible at the racetrack in
2006, and is discussing possible sponsorship opportunities with
NASCAR's brass and other industry movers and shakers "so I can bring
something other than just myself to a team."

That could be essential. Money talks these days. Burton's quest would
be far less strenuous were he able to offer sponsorship dollars as
part of the package.

He is uncertain just how many offers have already come his way, but
knows of just one hat that currently holds his name. And that team is
a project.

Amazing. Four years ago, Burton won the Daytona 500, he's one of
NASCAR's most popular drivers, especially among core fans, and his
lone employment opportunity is with a start-up team that may or may
not ever so much as crank an engine?

"I know my name's been put in the hat. It would be part-time '06,
full-time '07," Burton said of the potential ride. "It's not always
easy to find a sponsor that will support a Nextel Cup team the way it
needs to be supported, so it takes a while.

"It's going to have to be the right sponsor, the timing has to be
right. It's not an easy thing to accomplish."

Burton cited financial backing and resources as other reasons he's
been reluctant to align with a team to date. Once again, anyone that
knows NASCAR knows the driver is but one small variable in a complex
equation.

"The nature of the sport, and how it's changed, has made the driver
more dependent than he was, even six or seven years ago, on his
support group," Burton said. "So acknowledging that, I think you have
to be a little more selective on what you're willing to do and not do.

"There's no guarantees in this sport, but I do want to feel like I
have a fighting chance before I get there. I just don't feel like
I've gotten the opportunity I've needed to come right of the box with
the kind of support it takes."

Many industry experts felt he would get a shot at Hall of Fame
Racing's No. 96 Chevrolet. He didn't.

"I think Tony [Raines] is a good guy and can do a good job. I think I
could do a better job, but people like to find someone who can be the
next whoever," Burton said.

That begs the question, how significant has the youth movement been
in limiting Burton's progress?

"I think, certainly, it has been [a factor]," Burton said. "The car
owners are doing tryouts and developing drivers.

"It's different than it was when myself and my brother [Jeff] and
[Joe] Nemechek and Jeff Gordon and Steve Grissom came from the Busch
Series to the Cup Series. The nature of that has changed quite a bit.

"It can definitely be a hindrance. I don't think there's any question
about that."

Raines, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Travis Kvapil, Martin Truex Jr.,
Denny Hamlin, J.J. Yeley, David Stremme, Reed Sorenson and Brent
Sherman have all landed Nextel Cup Series jobs since Burton last
graced the track.

Upon further review, the Busch Series doesn't look so bad.

"I think having had a little bit of time to reflect on it, it's a way
to get back out there and start meeting some of the new people in the
sport, do a good job on and off the track and have some fun," Burton
said. "Most people know I'm not ready to just put the helmet in the
closet.

Inside the Numbers
Ward Burton's Cup career
Year Starts W T5 T10

1994 26 0 1 2
1995 29 1 3 6
1996 27 0 0 4
1997 31 0 0 7
1998 33 0 1 5
1999 34 0 6 16
2000 34 1 4 17
2001 36 1 6 10
2002 36 2 3 8
2003 36 0 0 4
2004 34 0 0 3
Totals 356 5 24 82


"I'm willing to do what I have to do."

And be certain, this is about racing. Burton is a conservative
spender and has a solid nest egg stashed away. He doesn't need the
money. He needs the rush.

"Naw, hell naw. It's not about money. Never was, never has been,"
Burton said. "I don't think, for the most part, any of us are out
there just for the money. It is an added attraction, no doubt,
because we all have to make ends meet. But it's not about money.

"I don't know how you determine somebody's rich or not. I don't
consider myself rich. But the sport's allowed me to do a lot of
things I would've been able to do without the sport. With all the
federal programs we've been involved with and conservation and being
a spokesperson for this or that, being on the board of game and
fisheries, all that stuff.

"I owe the sport of NASCAR all that. Because really, when it comes
down to it, I'm just a country Virginian that's been real lucky to
have some success in racing."

And he's ready to reestablish it.

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.

It's a shame he is letting the business of Nascar define what should
be his best years in racing.

I can understand the way he feels after the treatment he was handed
by some of these teams. That's the main reason I wanted to see him in
the trucks. At the end of the day I understand the ride makes all the
difference, after all is Jeff Gordon that much more talented than
Kyle Petty? How would Jeff's career turned out if he had stayed with
low dollar Bill?

When one team spends 15 million a year and the other only spends 5,
why are we shocked when talent is overlooked?

Can the cream really rise to the top when it's buried under millions
of dollars?

Seems Nascar is now a bunch of marketing teams that squeeze in a race
once a week, and the drivers are hired by the appeal to the 18 to 35
year old demogrpahic's, not by talent or due's paid. It wasn't that
long ago when you were 30 to 35 before you got a shot at a cup ride,
now at 35 your over the hill.

I'd like to see Ward back in something, if for no other reason than
to let us fans know that Ward will determine when he has reached the
end of his racing career, instead of letting the "buisness" that
Nascar has become make that call for him.

I went to Lowe's last fall and after hanging out in front of
Trackside with a "hire Ward" sign for the better part of a weekend, I
came to the conclusion that Nascar just wasn't fun for me anymore.
It's not the same sport my dad took me to see in the early 70's.

I can remember going to Talladega and camping in the infield and you
could count on a lot of the same folks showing up year after year. I
don't see any of those folks anymore, they have been fading ever
since Dale's last win there.

I have supported a lot of different drivers over the years, but as I
look at where this sport is and where it's headed, I find it hard to
be a fan of what I see.

I wish you well Ward in whatever you decide to do, just do us fans a
favor and let us know something. It's very depressing not hearing
anythng for so long. If nothing else sit down and write a book, I
know I'd love to read what you really think and how Nascar racing
really works.
Tom

Hey All - Just wanted to share a positive experience with Ward! I have
3 8x10 pictures of Ward and Myself taken when I met Ward in Dover
Delaware. Well, I recently sent these 3 photos along with a note to
Ward; to the address of the Wildlife Inc that Ward works with. I sent
these photos on Jan 6 and I already got them back with Ward's
auotgraph on each!!!
Just 2 weeks after sending them out I already got them back! What a
guy! He didn't write me a note or anything but at least I got the
pics! Really hope we get to see Ward on the circuit soon!

Bob,
I understand where you're coming from on this. It's been more than a year and we
fans
have heard barely a peep from Ward on his racing future. The exception would be
the once
every 6 months that he says he's working on something but no promises. Then
nothing
ever materializes. Not even on Jayski.

Wayne Kreps
Ward Burton Fan Section
http://mysite.verizon.net/bwaaa/wardburton


--- In wardburton2@yahoogroups.com, catfandodge22 <no_reply@y...> wrote:
>
> I've been a Ward for a long time and don't spend a lot of time in this
> room, but I do check Jayski for Ward updates and there are none. This
> Site and the other Ward sites exist because we all thought Ward
> brought something to the sport that the other drivers did not. I
> believe that Ward monitors these sights and has an obligation to be
> honest with his fans. I know that ARVGAL is a true fan and she
> deserves (as we all do) an honest response from the individual that we
> all rooted for on sunday. (Yeah you Ward!) If you think being open
> with your fans risks your future racing your dead wrong. If you do get
> another ride in either division we will root for you - but if your
> intention is to retire into the sunset without any explanation than
> maybe I was rooting for the wrong car on sunday mornings (west coast).
>
> Bob
>

I've been a Ward for a long time and don't spend a lot of time in this
room, but I do check Jayski for Ward updates and there are none. This
Site and the other Ward sites exist because we all thought Ward
brought something to the sport that the other drivers did not. I
believe that Ward monitors these sights and has an obligation to be
honest with his fans. I know that ARVGAL is a true fan and she
deserves (as we all do) an honest response from the individual that we
all rooted for on sunday. (Yeah you Ward!) If you think being open
with your fans risks your future racing your dead wrong. If you do get
another ride in either division we will root for you - but if your
intention is to retire into the sunset without any explanation than
maybe I was rooting for the wrong car on sunday mornings (west coast).

Bob

Anyone have an address of to reach Ward? I would like to send him a
picture of he and I from a race.
THANKS
NAVIN

to read the rest, go to Nascar.com
I do wish he would race again, I miss him.
Zelda
*****************************************


Guys, who is the best driver currently without a full-time Nextel Cup
ride?



Marty Smith: Dang, that's a tough one ... I'll go with Ward Burton, I
reckon. To me, it's smarter to take a quality Busch Series or even
Truck Series ride and win races than to flouder at the Cup level.

Ryan Smithson: That is a tough one. The pool is mighty thin. I still
think Mike Bliss is a better driver than he has shown. He had some
really good runs in the Haas car, but looks like he will be back in
trucks.

Hey everyone, I'm Rob and I just found this site from Jayski's, I
would have joined along time ago if I had known you were here.

I've been a fan of Ward since the late 90's and I'm going to continue
being a Ward Burton Fan even if he never races again.

That said I would rather see him get a good ride and come back into
Cup racing but wouldn't want him to have another Net Zero situation
again. With all the drivers shifting around this year I have my hopes
up.

Have a nice day.

Blake,
Try checking on eBay for a diecast hauler that might be for sale.


Wayne Kreps
Ward Burton Fan Section
http://mysite.verizon.net/bwaaa/wardburton

On Nov 2, 2005, at 4:35 PM, Blake Van de Loo wrote:

> It's a strech, but I bought a 1990 ex Busch series hauler, that I'm
>  making into a motorhome. I did some reserech from some old sponsor
>  stickers I found on it. I traced it back to Larry Gunzelman. I e-
>  mailed Larry about 2 years ago. He confermed that it was indeed his,
>  and before he got it, it was Ward Burton's Busch series hauler. Now I
>  don't have a valid e-mail address for Larry.
>
>  I'm just trying to get some photo's of it when Ward or Larry was
>  racing out of it, just to keep some of the history with it. Anyone
>  have any ideas?
>
>  Thanks in advance!!
>
>  Blake Van de Loo
>  blake@...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
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>
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>
>  ▪   Visit your group "wardburton2" on the web.
>  
>  ▪   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  wardburton2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
>  ▪   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It's a strech, but I bought a 1990 ex Busch series hauler, that I'm
making into a motorhome. I did some reserech from some old sponsor
stickers I found on it. I traced it back to Larry Gunzelman. I e-
mailed Larry about 2 years ago. He confermed that it was indeed his,
and before he got it, it was Ward Burton's Busch series hauler. Now I
don't have a valid e-mail address for Larry.

I'm just trying to get some photo's of it when Ward or Larry was
racing out of it, just to keep some of the history with it. Anyone
have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!!

Blake Van de Loo
blake@...

Don't know if Ward reads any of these posts, but just wanted to wish
him a Happy Birthday, today 10/25/05.  We miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!