I just watched my local WSOC-TV Channel 9 here in Charlotte interview AJ Allmendinger's little lady business manager, surrounded by Shell & Pennzoil paraphernalia. She looked and acted like a deer staring into the headlights, making a series of "I don't know" statements.
There is a time to keep your mouth shut. I don't know where Allmendinger found this woman, but she couldn't possibly be helping AJ's cause with his sponsors, Penske or NASCAR with her stupid performance.
Better to just not keep commenting when you don't know what you're talking about. For gawd's sake don't do it surrounded by sponsor stuff.
What can she possibly be thinking?
Why would you even schedule such an interview? Stupid.
My comments have nothing to do with guilt, innocence, testing, recovery or anything except stupidity. For goodness sake, AJ, get a spokesperson who knows when NOT to speak.
Once upon a time I had a racing acquaintance in Greensboro named Lois Washburn. Lois was married to John Lewis who headed up SETN, a tv sports network that telecast races from Pocono and Martinsville in the 80s. Lois worked in Greensboro for Jim Wigglesworth sourcing all souvenir items for Richard Petty and Petty Enterprises.
She opened her own PR office and for a year had the CITGO racing account before Eddie Wood and Kyle Petty asked me if I'd take over the account for 1988.
Lois then hired on to represent Tim Richmond for 1988. She was blindsided and caught in the crossfire at Daytona when NASCAR went after Tim. Lois scheduled a press conference where suing NASCAR was discussed.
Rightly or wrongly, I don't recall what happened to Lois after that press conference. I don't recall ever seeing her around NASCAR again. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut.
By the way, here's actual newspaper coverage of what I'm talking about in 1988 involving Lois. I think AJ's business manager could take a lesson. She is not helping him.
NASCAR's ruling against Richmond may spawn suit
ERIN POWERS Staff
SUN 02/14/1988
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The attorney for race driver Tim Richmond said Saturday his client is prepared to sue NASCAR for actions that led to Richmond's exclusion from the Daytona 500.
Barry Slotnick said negotiations between Richmond and NASCAR that would have allowed the racer to resume driving had reached a standstill.
On Feb. 4, Richmond failed a random drug test mandated by NASCAR's new substance abuse policy. In the past 10 days, he has since passed a second test but NASCAR officials, who waited until Thursday to announce that, want more.
"It comes down to them wanting his past medical records," Richmond's manager, Lois Washburn, said Saturday.
In 1986, Richmond led all NASCAR racers with seven wins, but was ill much of last year with pneumonia and related complications.
All the while, the flamboyant driver was hounded by drug and AIDS rumors, both of which Richmond denied in recent months.
"There was a concerted effort to defame Mr. Richmond," said attorney Barry Slotnick. "The release of information that Tim had flunked a urine test and had narcotics in his system was utterly false and vicious."
Slotnick went on to say that NASCAR was behind the "leaks."
"While all NASCAR officials that I have discussed this matter agree that Tim is one of the most talented drivers of today, they are chagrined with his rough and tumble lifestyle," Slotnick said.
"Well," the attorney continued, "I have a message for those that have orchestrated this smear on him: Tim has every intention to see you in court."
NASCAR officials, specifically Daytona track doctor Ronald Hinebaugh, have demanded Richmond's past medical records before they would reissue his license.
"This situation," Washburn said, "is ludicrous. I must point out that Tim ran (eight) races last year and this (the pneumonia records) was never a factor."
Richmond, meanwhile, said Saturday that his main goal is to "clear my family name."
After coming to Daytona a week ago to attempt to qualify, Richmond has stayed in town as the negotiations continued between his attorneys and NASCAR.
Slotnick said he has offered NASCAR officials a letter from Richmond's personal doctor, David Dodson, that outlines the driver's current physical condition.
NASCAR spokesman Chip Williams confirmed Saturday that Dodson's letter indicated that Richmond "has not been treated for drugs and is not a drug abuser."
On Thursday, NASCAR officials announced that the "prohibited substance" found in Richmond's system had been, in fact, one common in cold medicine - pseudophedrine.
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM