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Most NASCAR drivers like to talk. If things aren’t going well few hesitate to express their issues with those in charge. If they’re mad you can be sure the person on the opposite end will be fully aware of it. And luckily for them if their intended target isn’t willing to listen, there is a media corps that is more than happy to lend an ear and write a story.

Case in point: Mike Skinner.

Skinner of course went to work for David Dollar and Randy Moss last season after Bill Davis Racing closed its doors. The move positioned Skinner well with a team that appeared to be on the rebound/upswing. With veteran crew Eric Phillips on the box, the 52-year-old Skinner and his #5 team were able to score three wins and finish third in the points on a shoe-string budget. In classic Skinner style, he made sure everyone knew their money situation too – but he was a happy guy.

What a difference a year can make. Eric Phillips left the team in the off-season to take over a crew chief position at the new Kyle Busch Motorsports, and with Gene Nead at the helm, the team just hasn’t been the same. After five races Skinner is tenth with only two top-ten finishes. He’s no longer a happy guy.

The frustrated Skinner voiced his discontent with his hand-picked crew chief this past weekend to NASCAR.com.

“I appreciate Gene going like he went and helping Robby Gordon a couple weeks. I appreciate him doing that and getting the information on the tire and so on and so forth…By the same token, we really need to keep our eye on the ball.”

Note Skinner probably doesn’t actually mean he appreciates Nead’s excursion to help Robby Gordon. As I understand it, the extracurricular activity was supposed to be on the D.L.

Skinner also pointed criticism to Randy Moss for being an absentee owner.

“Randy’s a great guy, but he’s not involved as much … I’d love to see him get involved more. Maybe if we can win us a couple of races before football season starts …”

Now I understand Skinner’s frustrations with his team, and I think they are valid criticisms, but generally all of these things are issues you would want handled internally. I know if I’m David Dollar the last thing I want or need is for my driver to be spouting off to the media about the functioning of my organization.

Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not complaining. It’s always great to see a driver speak his mind. These insightful and at times cringe-worthy moments are what journalism is all about. Remember Kasey Kahne and his ‘I have no idea who is in charge moment’ last year? Priceless.

The media, fortunately for them, and perhaps unfortunately for team owners, can be a public conduit for getting things done. If drivers feel they aren’t being listened to at home, they have a means for broadcasting their grievances to the whole neighborhood. Chances are things will be changed. You can bet the Monday after Kasey Kahne’s comments he knew who was in charge. And I would imagine by now Mike Skinner and David Dollar have had a conversation about his comments this weekend.

Thankfully for all of us, for as long as there is a NASCAR and a media covering it, you can bet frustrated drivers will be more than happy to air out their team’s dirty laundry to get what they want.

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Just less than a month after NASCAR veteran Larry Carter joined Robby Gordon Motorsports as a “consultant” we are hearing he has been named crew chief of the #7 team. Carter would take over the spot from Iain Watt who has been in the position since January.

Gordon and his team have struggled this season, averaging just a 34th place finish. On top of that they are in a precarious owner points situation. With one race to go before this season’s points take effect, Gordon sits 38th. Given his average qualifying position (38.8), without the guaranteed starting spot he runs the risk of not making races.

That struggle with performance coupled with RGM’s history of crew chief longevity (or lack thereof) make this move less than surprising.

Over the last few seasons Robby Gordon has had a staggering number of guys on top of the box. Since 2005 Doug Richert, Peter Sospenzo, Kirk Almquist, Frank Kerr, Gene Nead, Walter Giles, Bob Temple and Greg Erwin (in no particular order) have all come and gone.

Many throughout the sport have their opinions about the organization and the reasons for the high turnover. Gordon’s demeanor has been blamed, as has his unrelenting control over the team. Beyond second hand information though I unfortunately can’t give a comprehensive explanation.

Obviously Gordon has a drive and passion for racing that few others around the world of motorsports have. That said, his Cup operation has problems. There is absolutely no reason why any team should go through the number of crew chiefs his has gone through. All of the guys who have held the position are competent team managers (most have wins, one has a championship) so you’d think one of them would have clicked.

At this point the team would be well served to do some self reflection. Without some changes in the very near future I would be willing to bet Larry Carter and Iain Watt won’t be the last guys to hold the title of crew chief at Robby Gordon Motorsports.