A Bad Decision

It may be more than a formality that Jimmie Johnson will make history this weekend at Homestead. A result better than 36th position on Sunday will see him crowned champion for the third time in a row. But up and down the standings, a number of smaller battles will be fought out. Most enticing of which, will be the battle to remain in the top-35 points.

A few months ago, Red Bull looked like they would easily have both cars in the top-35 going into the 2009. Given how difficult their début season was, an amazing accomplishment for the energy drinks giant. Then they decided to drop AJ Allmendinger.

According to media sources, he was offered only a one year extension to say, you can’t fault AJ for wanting to look for more, even in this difficult economy environment. A driver at his age, he needs stability. A one year deal would see him stuck in the same situation this time next year.

Regardless of whether he took the deal or not, Scott Speed was always going to be in the frame. Maybe signing a one year deal would only delay the inevitable for Allmendinger. Former F1 driver Speed, has spent the year in the ARCA series and raced a number of events in the Truck series, finding success in both.

Still, you can’t help but feel Red Bull are rushing him. You would think they would have learned from Allmendinger’s experience. Thrust straight into a debut team, it was always going to be an uphill climb for him. Even experienced team mate Vickers struggled to make races last year.

The start of year was also a struggle for the likable Californian. After a failure to qualify in the opening races, he was replaced by Mike Skinner, as Red Bull revaluated the program. When he returned at Talladega, it was a different AJ behind the wheel. From there on out, his stock rose by the race. By the time the Nascar circuit left Watkins Glen, he had gotten the #84 within the top-35.

Despite this, Red Bull decided to speed up their plans for 2009. AJ finished his time with Red Bull with a career best 9th at Kansas. He was replaced again by Skinner, before Scott Speed took over. The #84 went from a car capable of running top-20, to scrapping near the back of the pack. With a race to go, the team slid outside the top-35.

As a result, the team has switched their drivers, placing Vickers in the #84 in the hope he can get the car back into the coveted spot. Teams within the top-35 are guaranteed a starting spot in the first five races of 2009, including the showpiece event, the Daytona 500. I’m not much of a fan of the move, but business and racing go hand in hand together in this day and age.

It would be a sore pill to swallow of Marcus Ambrose and the JTG Daugherty Racing team, whom will take over the control of the #47 (formerly the #00) at the end of the year. They currently occupy the 35th position after some sterling performances by the Aussie.

As for Allmendinger, he continues to prove why he was one of the most improved drivers of the year. Finishing out the year driving the #10 for Gillett Evernham, he has consistently been the most competitive driver at the team. Not bad, given that he is not only new to the team, but also adjusting from driving a Toyota all year.

It would be a crying shame for Allmendinger to be on the sidelines next year. A driver of his talent is worthy of any seat.

Top-35 Battle:
33rd - Haas CNC Racing - #66 - 2765pts
34th - Robby Gordon Motorsports - #7 - 2685pts
35th - Michael Waltrip Racing - #47 - 2655pts
36th - Team Red Bull - #84 - 2638pts
37th - Penske Racing - #77 - 2554pts
38th - Gillett Evernham Motorsports - #10 - 2495pts