Even though there may be no championship this year, it doesn't mean we can't still gain positions in the standings, and we should be proud of how this season went. And hey, guess where we go next weekend, and we know how well Kasey runs at Texas. And I am still so proud of how this season has went. I couldn't ask for anything more besides a championship. I was just happy he made the Chase this year, that's enough right there to make me proud. And we can just hope for the same result next season and hopefully win that 2007 Nextel Cup Series Championship.

I am so proud of Kasey and his team this year too. They have achieved so much and have made this season amazing! I still believe Kasey can move up some spots but it's just such a good feeling to know that he made it into the Chase this year. Great year for Kasey and his team!!

:clap :gokasey2

Speak for yourselves.

Been a great season, but I think that Kasey and Kenny and Ray know where things need to go better, as well.

I'm damn proud of what Kasey and this team have done this season! Yeah, so the Championship might be out of sight this year, but there's always next year and so on. We know that they're Championship material and can do it, this just wasn't their year. But, they've been able to do so much more, and I couldn't be prouder of them! They just have to put this weekend behind them and move onto Texas, and start getting ready for '07.

Onto Texas and a great weekend!

They've had a great season and we can still do better!

I'm not disappointed with this season, it's hard to be with 6 wins and making the chase, but at the same time, there's a lot of little things that could have been done differently and we could probably still be up there in the hunt.

I guess it's on to Texas and start getting ready for '07.

I still BELIEVE IN KASEY!!

Weather he can win the championship still or not... I still believe in him and the 9 team! They've had a GREAT season no matter where they finish... especially after 2005... it's almost like winning a championship w/ the season they've had... time to go out there and show em what we're made of... there are 3 races Kasey has a good chance a really good finishes if not wins... so screw the championship... what ever happens will happen with that... let's go for win #7!!

I still believe in Kasey Kahne and the #9 team!

You literally said everything that I feel.

So ditto to you.

I believe in Kasey and I believe in this team. They will have their runs at the championship. I have faith that Kasey will be the Cup Champ multible times in his career. This was his first run at the championship, it will not be his last.

Ditto Court and Nic! (Hi gals! :) )

6 wins and getting into the chase...its been really exciting to watch him go through all of it. All the emotions, ups and downs...Whew! What a blast! NO way I am disappointed in this season, it was an awesome ride and it isn't even over yet! I will continue to support him and the 9 crew 'til the checkered flag flies at Homestead this season and every season to come. This year they proved themselves Championship material, something we all knew all along. GO KASEY! Onward to Texas!

I sort of have to agree with you on this one. I don't blame Kenny or Ray for what has happened this season. They did their part and the engine department stepped up this year (thank god). Where I do place blame is on the weakest links and this team and drivers weakest links are making way too many mental errors. This team and this driver took themselves out of the championship because of it. They should have been right there for the championship this year, but they aren't. There are too many good drivers at the Cup level to take yourself out of races. As much as it has been said and others have dismissed it, consistentcy means something. Wins are great, but if you can't drive consistently and take care of the things you have control of, you are not going to be a champion.

I agree.

GO KASEY AND THE 9 CREW!

I see your point, but I also think that you have to remember Kasey is only in his 3rd year of Cup racing. It's not like he has been doing this for 7 or 8 years. Look how far he has come from last year. Their goal this year was to make the Chase(done), finish in the top 5 (still possible), win races (6 so far). Kasey's personal goal was to bring cars home in one piece. So far this year there have only been 2 cars that I know of that have been destroyed (Talladega not his fault, and Indy) other wise they have been able to repair the cars. And Kasey has had only a handle full of races that he has wrecked in and were his fault.


That is why I see this as a successfull year, not a year to hang their heads about. I just hope Kasey doesn't beat himself up too bad over this, he's not perfect. All though sometimes we forget that. Nobody's hard on him than himself.


So, I still believe this team will finish the season on a strong, high note. And hopefully a win.

I see what both sides are saying. And in a way, I can agree with both...maybe one side a little more than the other lol...like it was already stated, its only been year 3 in the Cup for Kasey and to get to where he is this season is great! So I :clap the 9 team for a job well done and can't wait to see what else they can do next year. Just my :1cent . :)

It took me awhile to form my thoughts for this one..........its been a rough week for me so last night I just didn't have the right thoughts in my head to post this.


We believe no matter what, cause we love our driver, we love our crew, we love our team, we love each and every one of the fans too. A championship may not have been written in the cards this year, but we saw something much better.........6 wins already and I don't believe Kasey and crew are done. They are ready to go out there and get the best points finish they possibly can, win races and get themselves ready for 2007. 2007 is going to be such an awesome year, this team is totally with it, they are even getting the new nose that will help them out, Ray's teams are always on top of things. We know that whole organization is working their asses off to be ready for next year and be ready for the COT. Will there be bumps in the road? Always are, there have been plenty this year.......but as they say "what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" and in NASCAR terms "what hurts you now only makes you a better champion"

Kasey will be a champion, none of us can doubt that and everything is just working its way into him being the best champion for NASCAR and someone that all of us will forever be proud of. We could place the blame for no championship this year in many different areas, yesterdays wreck, the crew's bad pit stop, Kansas, Tony wrecking in front of him at Dover, HELL you could even go back and say the summer slide, NASCAR's no caution at Indy, etc, etc.......but we won't, cause it doesn't matter. But one thing I think Kasey did do, is open a lot of peoples eyes to the fact winning means nothing and hopefully that will change, hopefully NASCAR will start rewarding a win with something. We shall see on that one.

Kasey said a few weeks ago he wouldn't trade the 6 wins for the points lead and you know what, I wouldn't either.......would I love to see them win it? Of course, but 6 wins, 2 of which I've been lucky to be at and see him really dominate. The wins where they've faced so much to get the win, like Michigan and a lap down to come back and win, California when everyone wrote them out and they came back to win. This whole team is awesome and the whole EMS organization is growing and getting better. The addition of Scott and ESad......only going to make the whole EMS gang a force to be reckoned with next year. Next year all 3 of the boys will be battling for the Chase and it wouldn't surprise me to see all 3 make it cause I fully believe EMS is ready to break out, ready to show they belong.

I don't know about you guys, but we haven't finished this season and I'm already ready for Daytona testing......cause how much Kasey has grown, this team has grown, the organization has grown.......I know next year will be awesome. Just like this one, only maybe even better. There is still 3 races left in this one though and I fully believe they will be 3 awesome races for the 9 team and will be a great way to end the season and get rolling for next year.

The last thing I have to say......is it all comes down to 3 words

Dedication. Drive. Determination.

I cross-posted most of this with my Xanga.

So yesterday's whole Debacle with David (that's my new name for it) didn't really 'hurt' -- if you will -- until about 11 o'clock last night.

I think perhaps I was basking in the glow of the Best. Kasey. Interview. Ever. !!!!!

My question is this: How many times can he shoot himself in the foot this year? And how many times is he going to expect to be taken seriously as a Championship driver?

I don't want to hear "he's only a 3rd year driver." And I get that people make mistakes.

But Indy shouldn't have happened how it happened. The Glen shouldn't have happened how it happened. Kansas shouldn't have happened how it happened. And now yesterday shouldn't have happened, period.

In each of those four cases, Kasey was the root of the problem. Kansas is the only one I will waffle on, because stupid fuel mileage and yadda yadda. For Kasey and his team to be considered true contenders, this stuff can't happen. It just can't. I told Michael that there is ONE THING I want from Kasey next season, and I sure as hell hope that Ray wants the same thing: Consistency. Kasey has all the potential in the world to be as consistent as Jimmie Johnson. His team has proven time and time again that they are clearly on the same level as the 48 in the pits. We've seen those flashes of brilliance -- they can do it. And I *know* Kasey is as good of a driver as Jimmie. The wins and finishes speak for themselves. But, to me, the mistakes are glaring. And until Kasey can stop making those mistakes as frequently as he does, there will NEVER be a Nextel Cup in his list of accolades.

At this point, there isn't really a track out there that Kasey can't excel at. Next year I expect wins to come on more short tracks and flat tracks. He just needs to stay a bit more focused on the task at hand, and stop making mistakes. Because the mistakes are going to prove much more costly in the long run, and it will be hard for people to really take him seriously. I don't want to say I'm disappointed, because really I'm not, but I'm sure there are people who are. And, by the same token, I know Kasey's disappointed in himself. And it's for that reason that I am a fan of his -- he owns up to his mistakes. Now he just needs to start learning from them.

I still have faith in this team. I still fully believe that Kasey has at least one Championship in his future. But if he won this year, I would say we don't deserve it, most wins or not. Because the Cup should go to the best. And right now, he's just NOT the best.

He's really good. He's going to be great. He's just not quite there yet.

You are absolutely correct on everything that you said. You are right in that Kasey needs to be more consistent, and he has been more consistent than he was last year. And hopefully in the off season he will sit down with Ray, Kenny, Tony, and maybe even Jimmie and get some advice on how to get that consistency that he is lacking.


I feel that lack of consistency is the only thing that is holding him back from being the champion driver I know that he will become. I am an eternal optimist, so I always try and find the good in everything. So it's hard for me to say what is bad about Kasey. But that is his major downfall.

We all know he has talent, desire, and passion for the sport. I truly believe that he will look back at this year and learn from all of his mistakes that he has made. The only thing that makes me most proud about Kasey is that he does own up to his mistakes when he makes them, and rarely blames another driver when something happens to him. He always takes the high road, and occasionally takes the blame when it wasn't even his fault.

I will look at this year as his turning point. He made the Chase, won races, but couldn't put it all together.

I believe in Kasey the driver, Kenny the Team director, and the whole #9 team. They will get back on the game and finish the season off strong.

Everything you said is what I have been thinking, but what I quoted really stuck out. I think it's been said time and time again that constiancy is what wins championships and this team hasn't been consistant this season.

I agree Kansas is the only race that we can waffle over because that one wasn't really Kasey's fault, he can't help they didn't figure fuel milage right, but there have been a few races this season Kasey has been the brunt of the problem.

It's been a good season and nothing would be better than to finish out the last 4 races in the top 10 and contend for a win. We've showed some good promise on the RP tracks and would like to see us perform even better and more consistent at those tracks as well as run more consistent overall.

I don't really know how to word my thoughts properly, and some of it is cause my thoughts flip flop back n forth alot of this.

Was this year a great year?yes it is. Kasey and the team came out and proved they could win, proved that 2004 wasn't just a fluke. Now on a personal standpoint is it great no. Kasey made some bad decisions and yes I would say its cause he's only a third year driver but then again we've seen tony and Jimmie and other long time drivers make bad or stupid decisions also, and hey they are still championship material, Tony even has two champs to prove it.
Kasey making the chase and everyone seeing what the team and organization and the cars can do will only help in Kasey growing as a driver. He can now look back after the glow and hoopla of a great season on the track is over and see where He needs to work on a few things. Just like the crew and team does after races. give him next year to prove he's learning something from this year.

Yes unfortunately the championship still only rewards consistantcy. Am I upset about this year if in the end Kasey has the most wins it doesn't reflect in the championship standings? of course, I was ticked off beyond belief after 04. but hey what do we see Jimmie and crew doing now, they are driving more consistent, they are doing what has to be done. and as much as I want wins, and drivers going for wins, the team and Kasey can now focus on what needs to be done to win the champ next year or after. now that they have proven they can win and they can dominate. bt this year if he comes out with nothing but the most wins lead, then shoot i was be excited and shout it from the roof tops. He hsowed he is here and a force to reckon with this year.

I believe in this team and the driver to grow and learn after each season, and each race.

ok so i said alot of the same stuff...but eh it was all jumbled around in my head. hope it makes sense.

carrie...I was working when Kasey's interview happened and as soon as I heard about it I couldn't my tape at home to rewind quick enough to see it! It was pretty amazing interview.

It's DEFINITELY been a good season. I am completely not taking anything away from that -- I pretty much love this season, love the wins, love the fact that we passed Junior in merch sales, love it all. I don't love the mistakes that could have been avoided.

Really, next year should be as good, if not better.

And frankly, if he doesn't get 6 wins again next season BUT ends '07 with another Chase run, less mistakes, and more consistency? It will be a win, for all of us. Because the overall picture will be infinitely better. And the points will follow. :)

Kasey has been on the fast track to cup his whole career. That's very much been a double edged sword. He has the passion, the determination, the drive, and the aggressiveness it takes to win. His lack of focus at critical times really shows his lack of maturity.

Is it a case of too much, too soon. I think last year and this year really did show that. Kasey is ultra-talented and in 2004, that combined with being a rookie evened every mistake and every great advance out. 2005 was definately a sohpmore jinx. Very little improvement was made last year. The over-aggressive driving, the lack of focus all reared it's ugly head last year. This year most of the over aggressiveness was held in check, but the focus factor still looms. Focus comes with maturity. What this driver needs is balance. The team has it with Kenny as Team Director. He's very level headed and keeps the crew cohearent. It's the driver that needs to do the same. If Kasey can grow up next year, focus better and eliminate the "me" mistakes, this driver and this team will win the 2007 Nextel Cup.


:gokasey2

:clap

Very well said!

:clap

I Agree with Carrie. (Shirts, anyone?)

I don't hate him, I'm just frustrated by a lot of things that have happened this season. Many, many bright spots though that show that this kid's future's so bright he's gotta wear shades. It's a learning process.

OOOOOH CAN WE?!?!??!?!!?

I am SO the next Marty Smith. :lmbo

I want a shirt!!

I was at the race and I felt so bad for Kasey when the wreck happened. He had been running well and then his crew had a problem with a lugnut in the pits, which cost him places and he ended up in the incident w/ Stremme. It sucks but I love and believe him and his crew regardless because they have proven themselves to be contenders many times this season.

Dear Carrie

I agree with eveything you said. and I will fight with Helena to be your #1 fan -hehe

Jen

I feel like I can't even express how I feel, I'm still frustrated. Believe me I am not disapointed in this season, I loved every second - of most it. hehe I like Carrie wonder how many times can he shoot himself in the foot . I have faith that Kasey will grow from this season, and the sky's the limit in the future. It's just a hard pill to swallow right now

Teehee, you can join my fan club. :)

I feel better this evening. It's still hard to swallow, but it's okay. And I feel better because I know Kasey is upset, too. I'd be pissed as hell if he didn't care. But he cares, and that means it's going to be ok. :nod

:rolleyes: Count me in, too! I was speechless when the wreck happened. I couldn't even watch the end of the race last night. After reading through this post, y'all really helped me get a better perspective on things. I love this board!

Me too. I will so buy one of those shirts after that post. :clap

It's been a great season. And when you look at how far they have come since last year, there is no reason for Kasey to feel bad about this year or last race.


I am Still a Proud Kasey Fan... And that's all I have to say about that. :white9

exactly I mean preseason picks no one through that he'd be in the chase much less have 6 wins. This season has had its ups and downs but its still been amazing

I def agree with Carrie, but at the same time i have some mixed feelings

I of course wish he wouldn't shoot himself in the foot, but at the same time while I hate it, I know its a part of the process. He's still growing as a driver and i think he's done a hell of a job with all the stuff put on him (as I know all of you do too) I look back and all the drivers have done this.....hell some of them with much more experience than Kasey still do. So to a point I'm a "shit happens, mistakes happen, I know he's trying and so I'm not going to dwell on it"

But would I trade these wins for more consistency and maybe a championship? Honestly me, I wouldn't cause while i know they've got to be a little more consistent, I also wish the Nextel Cup was based more on winning races than just consistency and I hope NASCAR will look at that. But you know, every driver has bad races....some this year have been the drivers fault and I can accept that and let it be, some have been engine problems, some are other peoples messes.....it just happens.

For me, this driver, this team have greatly improved and thats what I'm looking at......2004 was awesome, 2005 was tough, the learning curve came back to bite hard......but this year, its been great.

Most of the time its taken a driver at least 4 years or more in Cup to win a championship......Tony did it in 4, Kurt in 4, Matt in 4.....some it takes longer. So really I see Kasey as right on track with other championship drivers of this era. So I'm just not to the point where i"m ready to criticize Kasey to much cause I know he's still getting there.

2006 has been awesome, I'm not sure I'd trade any of it.......Indy, Glen, Kansas or Atlanta included. Cause I think sometimes the tough times teach us lessons that we wouldn't have ever learned had they not happened. To me Indy and the Glen taught Kasey and the team something really important.......you never give up, you never stop trying. It taught them that they can battle back and show everyone to never count them out.

And to me maybe the media doesn't all take Kasey seriously as a threat, but the drivers I know do. Even back in 2004 Jimmie and some of the others were worried about Kasey making the Chase cause they really thought if he did he might just win it.

By no means am I trying to say anything anyone has said is wrong, so I hope none of this is taken that way.......

in the end, we are all proud Kasey fans and thats all that matters. Cause we all believe that Kasey and team can and will be ready to rock and roll in 2007 and go after that championship.

Here. Here. :drunksing

I don't know if I would trade the wins for consistency.

No matter what points system Nascar has in place, it's up to the drivers to make it work to their advantage. And some have, and some haven't. Can't blame the points system, blame the drivers/teams for that.

I know everything is part of the process, and honestly, looking at where he was 2 years ago, one year ago, and now... you can't really compare the seasons at this point. This season, he's made stupid mistakes 3, 4 times? Last season we were practically asking ourselves when he *wasn't* going to make a stupid mistake. It just sucks because I always play the "what might have been" game, and that's why Indy, the Glen, and Atlanta sting so much. Because I know we could be leading the points. Or 2nd. And with a legitimate shot at it.

But then I stop myself and realize it just wasn't in the cards for this year. And I'm okay with it.

I bounced back hardcore last night. I feel good. I wasn't really trying to be down on Kasey or the team or anything like that, so I hope none of you took what I said that way. Like I said, I'm one to play the "what if?" game, and it makes me frustrated.

But I DEFINITELY still believe in this team. That hasn't changed one bit through all of this.

Basically, this is how I see it. We've got three more races to just go out there and win. The pressure is off. And that makes me excited. And, for the record, I wouldn't really change anything about this season, either. It's kind of nice to hear "hey how about that 9 car?" after a race than "how many times is he going to hit the wall this season?" So yeah. This season has been great. At this point, I want us to finish it out with the most wins. And I'm pretty sure we aren't going to stay 9th in the points. :)

Kasey and the 9 team are a legitimate team. They're the real deal. And they're gonna keep proving it, time and time again. And part of being a fan is sticking through the good times and bad, right? As much as we want him to, he can't win every week. So he's just keeping it interesting for us. B)

Very well said Carrie!

Here, Here!!

I wouldn't give up the wins either it's lovely hearing "Kasey Kahne 6 time winner"

and I know maybe I did sound a little down on the guy yesterday, but it's because his potential is HUGE. Comparing this season to last you can see how much he's grown. And like Carrie said it's not like we're waiting for something bad to happen, we can't wait to see all the good that will happen.

So again I agree 100% with Carrie, it's like you are in my head :lol: