Sir Jackie Slams Ford Pull-out

[Redlake27]

This headline is from ITV-F1.

Am I the only person that thinks JYS is best to keep quiet? I don't normally stick up for the corporation, but I believe Ford sold their interests in F1 with dignity and in a way that has allowed Jaguar/Red Bull, Cosworth, and PI to continue as seamlessly as possible into new ownership.

Just a couple of days ago I saw this quote:

“Jackie Stewart has made a tremendous impact on Ford globally,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the board of directors and the great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company. "Now, as Jackie’s career enters a new chapter, we salute him and thank him for being such a great Ford ambassador.”

Just days later JYS mouths off to the press at how wrong Ford were to quit F1.

I think this lacks dignity, after 40 years on the Ford payroll as a vaguely defined 'consultant', having had his own F1 team bankrolled by Ford, before selling it to Ford.

JYS - Learn when to keep quiet. I am beginning to understand why Bernie found him so difficult to deal with regarding Silverstone.

[Kicking-back]

Jackie did not "mouth off" to the press.

He was asked an honest question in an interview and gave an honest answer - stating his opinion.

He disagreed with the decision to pull-out - and felt it sad given Ford's history in the sport.

He did not "slam" Ford.

[Redlake27]

No, but Jackie is so PR-savvy that he should know that his opinion will create critical headlines for Ford, simply because of who he is.

In the circumstances, Jackie should remember that Ford have made his career both in F1 and in the 30 years since he retired, and Ford have every right to feel disappointed in him in the last few days.

[BootsOntheSide]

'Slam' comes from ITV-F1, who are looking for loud headlines to get people looking at their website to please would-be advertisers. It shouldn't be attributed to Jackie - he simply said he felt they were wrong to pull out, which he's perfectly entitled to say, and I think he's probably right that selling Cosworth was a mistake, athough in fairness Jaguar never looked likely to succeed. In fact, I'd say Jackie was the only one in major Ford management who had a clue how to run the team, and he's more than entitled to express his frustration and disappointment.

[Kirk]

Absolutely right Boots. Unfortunately the headline often does not remotely reflect the actual content of the story. A tried and trued method by the media, particularly effective in the off-season where slow news prevails.

[JohnSSC]

Ford did not "make" Jackie Stewart.

Ford has gotten way more mileage from their association with him than Jackie has with them.

He is articulate, savvy and knows the business. Perhaps if Ford had actually listened to him more over the years they might have been more successful in racing.

[Teretonga]

The headline stinks but is not an accurate reflection on whaT JYS actually said nor in the context of the question he was answering. Another reason why I don't like alot of F1 'journalism'.

[Fireblade]

Only person who has made Jackie Young Stewart is JYS himself.
A shrewd canny man whatever you think of him.

I should also think that his PR skills are in excess of those of Redlake 27.

[Kicking-back]

There are some people who have achieved so much they are essentially beyond reproach.

Sir Jackie is one.

[Adam43]

SLAM!
This is obviously some strange useage of the word slam I wasn't previously aware off.

Slam: To offer a quiet opinion that disagrees with someone else, yet doesn't infer any malice or accusation. Often used by cheap journalists who work for quantity rather than quality television.

Now that is slamming!

[Kicking-back]

Spot on Adam.

[ASCII Man]

Uhm, a link to the relevant article would be nice, as i'm too lazy to get of my own ass and google it...