Claire also interviewed Steve Crisp re: McFarland......here is a recap done by one of the girls on Jr's board.
He basically said that the team just needed to know what direction they need to go in next because things were just not working the way they were going. They needed someone in the car that would be able to give them feedback on shocks, springs, etc. From the Navy's standpoint, that was a veteran because there are already so many in the series. Its hard for a rookie to keep up. He said that Mark is a GREAT person and a great driver. You wouldn't find one person in that shop to say a cross word about him but he is a rookie.
He said they have that rookie stripe for a reason and that he just wouldn't be able to provide the feedback they needed to improve the team. He said they had tried changing the crew chief and other parts of the team to try to improve and learn more about where they need to go but that it still wasn't working.
He said they have great engines and they think great bodies so they need to find out where the problem is and Martin will help them do that. He said that unfortunately they don't have the luxury of being relaxed and not really worrying about the results and let things go. They have a big responsibility with the Navy Sponsorship to keep that car in contention to promote them. They demand results and that is what they have to have. He said not only that but they have Dale Jr's name on the car and with that name comes alot of expectations and they have to live up to those expectations and keep that name up front.
Mark has been given the opportunity by Dale Jr to stay with JR Motorsports and work with the company in other capacities. So, he still has a job there if he wants it. Steve said that would be up to Mark to see what he wanted to do.
That right there makes me so PROUD to be a Jr fan because he is still giving Mark every opportunity that he can. He didn't just drop him. He is still doing his very best to do right by him.