Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Why is Jacob Allen not in the 1A tonight

They read some sort of statement where he stated he was stepping away from the car because he needed to spend time with his family.   

WOW, really sorry to hear this. Steve, call Bobby A. and see if Craig can be a fill in until Jacob decides to return.

I was wondering who Craig is, can't think of any but Dollansky. Then I thought about Steve's son Kraig, kinda doubt he'll get the 1a seat, but who knows. Silly season seems to have started early this year, might be because of global warming.

He left the Outlaws for the inlaws ? 

Laugh of the day, so far 

Wonder if theres any chance Jacob will be back before Nationals?

Dewease to the 1A

Provided all is well, I think Jacob Allen would be a great fit for the 69k. He's experienced, he knows how to win, and most of the time runs the same style of race as the 69k team does; mostly around the bottom. 
He would be back home as well (again not knowing anything that is going on). 
 

He's familiar with the PA tracks too. Dream Race coming up.

I'm guessing he just needs some time off to reset and refocus. He hasnt been running well and sometimes a reprieve will get you back on track. Or back on the track in this case.  He's too talented to not be driving the 1A at the Nationals. Earlier in the year it looked like he could emerge as a wildcard to win or podium some of these big events this summer. 

Something's up...I noticed when Logan won the Million Jacob was conspicuously absent from the victory lane ceremonies.  I hope he's ok mentally and emotionally and in all other ways.  Struggles are real in family operations even when things seem to be going great, as evidenced by the Macri situation.

Joe V. Good point, I to was somewhat surprised Jacob was not in any of the celebration pics that I saw. It has to be tuff mentally seeing what's going on with a 2 car team when one is not performing up to the same level. Both of those cars were loaded going into eldora,  as I mentioned earlier, Bobby may have to do something sooner than later to stay on the platinum deal.  Will Lance take over until things are figured out ? Remember, Lance likes to run the rail also, and that's how Bobby  won his knoxville trophy. Jacob would be a good fit for the 69k. If he runs well in a top ride hopefully it will give him some confidence to comeback stronger. 

Maybe he's jealous of his Uncle brother 

Do we know Bobby is the one who gets to make that decision? 

Keep It Real

I saw an interview with Jacob recently where he made reference to having decisions made that were for the best of Shark Racing as a whole and implying that he might have been getting the short end of the stick. I've often wondered if this isn't an issue in that team given the performance of the 1S vrs the 1A. Granted they just won a million but overall I'd still guess the funds aren't unlimited and when push comes to shove I'm sure the 1S gets the fresher equipment and more resources. 

Is that just a suggestion or do you know something?

I hope all turns out well for Jacob and he returns to the 1A. He's a likeable guy and definately admire the way he has approached his career and has tried to stay positive throughout his career. But I will say, and I'm not sorry for saying this or if it hurts anyone's feelings but I honestly feel it might be best for him to go away from the 1A and maybe drive for another team. I know some of you will go how can you say that his Dad is  Bobby Allen and no one would be able to give Jacob as good of an opportunity than Bobby Allen. Just calling it like I see it, I feel the 1A car, team, and even driver is treated like the redheaded step child of Shark Racing. It might be car 1A but to the team is is actually car 1B or car 2. Now yes, a good portion of that is performance based as the 1S has performed better, has the results, has the wins, and it is a performance based industry but in recent past years it is not like Jacob has really sucked. Last year 1 could argue that Jacob actually performed better than the 1S for much of the year but you look at the sponsorship opportunities and equipment and I do not see necessarily see resources evenly distributed nor has it been done for a number of years.

Again performance based and I am not saying that it is because anyone is playing favorites but it is a business and there are 2 cars and decisions have to be made to keep both on the road. However I can't help but think that if Jacob can accomplish what he has accomplished in the 1A, what could he accomplish in something that is potentially better? I would say that if he questioning things in the team as some might be suggesting then I would say kid, go bet on yourself. Test the waters, put your name out there and see what opportunities are out there. 

I think it would be good for the 1A and Jacob Allen to go and do the Rico approach. Just go race and get better. Jump in where you want. Be a true Outlaw.  Maybe come spend a summer doing the Knoxville regular on Saturday and Huset's on Sunday.  Those pay 10K to win every week for the weekly shows now. Not bad. Basically go back to building confidence around the competitive local tracks whether in PA or Iowa/SD.  Speaking of Rico, he is the only guy not named Larson that I would bet for a podium finish at Knoxville in a couple weeks, that isnt a top 5 WoO.