Originally Posted by tailtank:
Not quite..........
The kid is 19, do you know how DD was at 19? probably not. I'm sure he had his enemies back then as well. I'm sure all the biggies had their defactors back then. They just didn't have the internet to run their mouths like some do here..:doh:
I recall this kid Darland in a yellow 36d in the middle 80s. It's the first I remember of him. Quiet, intense and well respected. His dad Bob was right there making sure he stayed that way too.
"Darlands Garage" bought the big two row tire rack open trailer. The pickup truck was function over form. They graced and raced prestigious places like Warsaw Speedway. He won a Hurryin Hoosiers race from the back one night. The press release made a point to notice the usually calm and reserved driver's 'enthusiastic crowd pleasing win'.
Kevin CAN'T grow up that way. It's a different world. Different family. Different philosophy-for sure. Kevin's laying the foundation of a career, and he is the one in control of it's destiny. Just like 'DD' years ago.
Dave got into the top shelf rides because even they couldn't afford bent equipment back then. Car owners knew he took care of his stuff-and had beaten them with it.
Today the money in the sport has allowed more leeway for bent stuff. The racecar doesn't have to pay for itself, or even try to anymore. That is a big difference. Having the spare car, or parts to put it back together is a huge factor in how hard Swindell runs the cars. But the money says he can-so he can.
I'd like to see Swindell be successful in racing. He can put together good laps at the oddest times and run well. He'll stick around, even if he bounces around some this year or next.
The fact everyone knows is that he won't be successful until he consistently competes clean and hard and finishes up front. Until then, he moves everyone else up a spot.
Sorry for the ramble...