Racing is a business, just like any other business. The reality may be that Jeff and Ray's relationship was a business relationship that worked very well for both of them for a certain length of time. They worked exceptionally well together and understood each other, which translated into their extraordinary success on the race track. The fact that they liked each other and were friends, within the context of their working relationship, was an added bonus for each of them. At that certain stage of their careers, Ray needed Jeff and Jeff needed Ray.
Nothing lasts forever.
What exactly went on in the final days of Ray s tenure at Hendrick Motorsports may never be known, and it is really not important for us to know. The point is, blame does not need to be assigned. There is no villain in these events. We can still be fans of both Ray Evernham and Jeff Gordon, and of both Hendrick Motorsports and Dodge. The success that Jeff, Ray, and the 24 team enjoyed during their seven years in Winston Cup together was a rare and wonderful thing the likes of which we may never see again.