So what, if anything productive has come from this thread? (1) I daresay that only a very few people on the board have any real idea of what the terms of this contract were - that is between the Armstrong family and Tim Cindric and the principals at Penske Racing. (2) Near as I can tell Dakoda is a good kid and comes from a great family. (3) He has won a championship and has worked hard at his craft. (4) Maybe the family did something to help him - big deal - I have done everything that I could do to help my 2 kids be successful - and most of the parents on this board have done the same (5) If you think the world is a total meritocracy - get ready to get a sobbering lesson. Most people have worked for a boss they were sure they were smarter than. Most have watched a total zero get the girl or guy you were interested in. Most have watched total suck-up worthless jerks get promoted and raises they didn'ty deserve. Racing isn't a meritocracy either - never has been - never will be. If there was real karma in life Dave Darland would be starting his 15th Indy 500 and Milka would be doing a fashion shoot in Brazil. Yet, the fact that Dave didn't get the break he deserved isn't Milka's fault - and Milka shouldn't be badmouthed because she seized an opportunity. What do you say we drop the bitter beer face and just be happy that one of our own has got a chance. And by the way - if anyone here has been around Roger Penske - guess what - either Dakoda performs or he doesn't - and performance means the entire package of on and off the track.