Just to put a cap on the Larry McClure thing, Robby did come out and tell them the cars were junk. Im not saying that wasn't the truth, but I understand Larry being upset about it and wanting to take a cheap shot at Robby. If memory serves me, I think Robby even (in a kind gesture that might have been interpreted wrong) told them they could use the #13 stuff he had until they could get things straight.
He signed a deal with a team, told the owner his cars are junk and asked to pull his personal cars out of the garage. Lets not be so short sighted to not understand how that could disrespect or anger somebody. Especially a car owner who at one time was a contender. Naturally he would never come out and say his cars were junk, he is going to blame the driver. The same way Robby was adamant it was the cars, not him.
So wait, since when is the ultimate judge success is who is still around? MMM won 14 races, 3 of them being Daytona 500's. Apart from that they contended for many other wins at the Cup level. Since Robby started running RGM at the Cup level, I cant even think of a race (outside of a SS) where in the final 10 laps he was a legit contender. Heck he didn't lead laps in 2 of the 3 top 5 finishes he has had. Saying that dosent mean Im not a fan of Robby, its just facts, go look them up for yourself.
RGM is not and has not been at the level MMM was at, its just that simple. If you wanna debate it was a less competitive time back then, have at it.
Im glad that Robby has his own car and can run things as he sees fit. Im even more glad / proud of the fact that its lead to multiple GNS wins and the option of trying to field a 2nd cup team a handful of times.
That said, to sit around and say he got the last laugh with Larry McClure is crazy. The team was starting to die off when Robby came on. When I think of Robbys time with MMM I think it as a last ditch effort from MMM to stick around.
Maybe the media portrays Robby as some narcissistic guy who wants revenged on all who wrong him, but ultimately I dont seem him that way. I have a hard time thinking he was yucking it up when Larry got caught up with those Federal charges. I can assure you Larry McClure isnt anywhere near the most cruel and "dirty" guy Nascar has to offer.
I was in the garage area at this time (at least during the summer months) working for Goodyear. Robby was fired before I started work, but it is my understanding McClure fired Robby AFTER they "borrowed" his front end geometry.
Im just reporting what I know. Much of Morgan McClures success was due to Tony Glover. When he left, the wheels started to fall off. Sure they won a few races here or there at short tracks after he moved on to Sabco, but it was nothing comprared to the cars they fielded in the late 80's and early/mid 90's.
Speed Channel has a replay of the 2007 Infineon race on right now. It's fun to watch Robby dominate the race. Too bad he runs out of fuel at the end. Hopefully he gets a good starting spot again on Sunday and can get out front early.