As the Kasey bashing begins. .

I should say that I’m surprised that people are calling Kasey names, because he’s leaving Richard Petty Motorsports, but I’m not. I, knew whenever the announcement came that he was leaving RPM at the conclusion of the Homestead Miami Race in November, that there were going to be some fans out there less than pleased that he’s moving to Hendrick Motorsports.  However when there are grown men calling him names, I  tend to get a little mad. It’s not just because he’s my favorite driver. It’s because it’s name calling, and it should have been left in elementary school.

 NASCAR fans are known for the dedication they have to their favorite driver. That is until their favorite driver is Kasey Kahne, or your favorite driver just signed with Hendrick Motorsports. Oh wait, in this case it’s both.

I was on face book this morning, looking at a picture of the “Bud Throwback” car ( it’s pretty badass if I do say so myself), when I seen comments on the picture, calling Kasey names like “backstabber”, “liar”, and “traitor”. I could see if they were little 9 year olds calling him names, but it’s not. I’m talking about 40 and 50 year olds. You know, the ones that tell their kids, its not nice to call people names, because it might hurt their feelings, and yet you call Kasey those names, all because he made a decision that he felt was necessary. They even go as far as posting an article that is over 10 years old, about Rick Hendrick. I thought to myself “wow, this person has to much time on their hands.”

Last year Kasey said that he would “let performance decide.” if he was going to stay at Richard Petty Motorsports, or if he was going to look for another ride. Well, he made his decision. Richard Petty Motorsports isn’t up to his expectations. As a driver, he’s there to win races and championships. It’s a dream of his to be a cup champion, and with Hendrick, that’s what he’s getting, the opportunity to prove to himself and others that he is capable of winning championships.

I know that there is no guarantee that Kasey is going to do spectacular, in the 5 car, or even in a Hendrick car. People expected Jr. to do great things at Hendrick, and honestly he hasn’t. I think people are expecting to much of him, simply because of who his father was. However, I think as time progresses, he’s going to make an identity for himself. He’s not living up to people’s expectations. I can’t tell you how many times people have said “Jr isn’t doing anything, or he’s done crap since he’s been with Hendrick.”. However, ever since they made the crew chief change, last season, they have been making steady gains. It’s just a matter of time before you see him winning races again, erasing any doubt that anyone has had of him. Myself included. I have to admit when I’m wrong, and I’ll be honest I’ve been wrong about Jr. I personally feel that HMS focuses more on the 24 and 48 car.

But back on topic, people who want to “bash” Kasey and call him names, are failing to mention that in the past three years they have changed management 3 times, they changed car manufactures, but they seem to forget that, and they only want to focus on Kasey leaving, and calling him names, because that’s what all the mature people do. I personally feel that it was vital for him to make his decision pretty early, because it was becoming a distraction for him. He’s still dedicated to getting the 9 team the best possible finish as a team.

So let me ask this, if you were in his position what would you. Would you stay with a team who is changing ownership and management, as much as I drink water (which is a lot), or would you go to a team who is winning races and championships?