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Does Dale Jr.'s move make sense?
It's still going to come down team chemistry. I assume that current No. 5 crew chief Alan Gustafson will stay in that position, and it's going to be up to those two guys to make it work.
As Earnhardt Jr. said when he announced he was leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the season, making the move would be the last decision that he would make in his driving career. He's at the age Dale Earnhardt Sr. was when he made a really major decision about his future, joining Richard Childress Racing. Dale Jr. feels like he's in that same position now.
Father would approve
It doesn't matter whether Hendrick Motorsports is driving the Car of Tomorrow or the current car, all four teams have their act together. Earnhardt can go to sleep saying to himself, "This is where I need to be to step it up. If I can't get it done here, it just wasn't meant to be."If Dale Earnhardt Sr. were here, I think his dad would say, "(Going to Hendrick) is what you'd better do because it's your best shot to win multiple races and a championship. You'd better get over there and make it happen."
What's next for Kyle Busch?
Where's Kyle Busch going to go? Every race team wouldn't mind having him. I've got to believe his phone is ringing off the hook. If I had a Nextel Cup team, I'd be ringing his phone right now. When you consider that he's only 22, he could be the most talented driver in the garage area. Does he need someone standing behind him and pulling the reins on him? Absolutely. Busch is an awesome race car driver. He's got to learn to control his emotions and throttle back a little bit. In time, he'll only get better at controlling himself and his aggressive driving.Can Jr. and Gordon fans be friends?
Blaine from Olney, Md.: I am not a Dale Jr. fan though I find that he appears to be personable, sincere and seems like a good guy. However, a move to Hendrick would be odd. Drivers aside aren't Jr fans and Gordon fans mortal enemies. How is this going to sit withthe current 8 fans. And does that figure into his decision?Larry McReynolds: I firmly believe that Dale Earnhardt Jr. could drive for anybody on the circuit. As much as it appears that people are not big fans of Kurt Busch, if Kurt fielded a Nextel Cup car and Earnhardt drove it, Dale Jr. would still be just as popular as he is. "Junior Nation" will always be there and continue to grow, no matter his owner, type of car, number or sponsor. Whether he's making a pass for the lead, 10th or 30th, his fans just about rip down the grandstands. It's just his following and level of popularity that he has attained.
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OK with or without Eury
Cheryl from Kansas City, Kan.: How do you think Dale Earnhardt Jr. is doing without crew chief Tony Eury Jr., and how do you think he will do with a totally new team next year? I'm a little worried that he does not seem to communicate well with other crew chiefs.Larry McReynolds: I've been pretty impressed. We're only three races into it with three to go, but interim crew chief Tony Gibson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. — with help from his spotter, Dale Earnhardt Inc. technical director Steve Hmiel and a host of others — they've actually rallied together nicely. I firmly believe that Dale Jr. is going to put pressure on himself, whether Tony Eury Jr., Alan Gustafson or someone else is his crew chief. He's got to make this work, and I believe he will.
FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds has more than 25 years of NASCAR experience as a mechanic, crew chief and broadcaster. He and his fellow Crew Chief Club members take you behind the wall at www.crewchiefclub.com.
"How to Become a Winning Crew Chief" is on bookstore shelves, or you may order your own autographed copy from www.DWStore.com.
Member Comments
I am not a fan of gordon nor johnson but Jr felt that this is where he needs to be to give his fans what he thinks they deserve and we as TRUE jr fans need to respect that, But not everyone is going to agree with me and thats fine. As for me I will follow jr no matter what team he drives for. And I wish he could just keep budweiser and 8 without any problems but thats not going to happen. <br />:(
budweiser8chick6/22/2007 8:50:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Hello all TRUE Dale Jr fans. First of all if you all read all the comments boards, then some of you 'fairweather' Dale Jr fans who have fallen away would probably change your minds on Dale Jr's move to HMS. The long history of the Earnhardt and Hendricks family goes way back. So Dale Jr going to HMS is not turning on DEI, just making a career move as his father did and the King Richard Petty also did leaving Petty Enterprizes at one time!!! Yes now that Dale Jr is out from under the DEI family shop, some of you say now we will see if he can drive! Oh yes now you will see he has great ability and knowledge of racing, with TOTALLY put together race prepared cars from what is NOW Nascars top shop. Dale Jr's move to HMS was not JUST $, it is to realize his dream of winning a Championship, something that has elluded him, because of Ms T. Earnhardt's refusal to put more $ to upgrade the shop in machinery and higher tallented employees where it counts!! I dont hate DEI, I totally pity the other Earnhardt family members as I am sure they always wanted to see Dale Jr win his first Championship at DEI. lol Now that that famous smile, twinkle in those blue eyes is back, a true Dale Jr fan will be happy to see 2008 Daytona 500!!! Oh how I wish I could be there!! GO JR GO Oregon fan
pioneersof456/21/2007 10:57:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Hello race car fans, now that it is all said and done, Dale Jr can get on with the rest of the year, then WATCH the 2008 DAYTONA 500!!! This will be the eyeopener....Dale Jr in a REAL put together race car, not just halfassed as he has had for some time now!!! I wish the employees and family of the ORIGINAL DEI the best....but NOT QUEEN THERESA..who has turned it into T.E.I., no honey your day is yet to come, you had better find a way to hide because your downfall is greed..greed...power..hum kind of like Sadam Hussien. Look what it got him in the end, not the same thing but it can be lonely there at the top!!!! Dale Jr will be just fine, now that that famous grin, blue sparke to his eyes and totaly relaxed nature is back, GO DALE GO, Future Nascar Champion!!!!
pioneersof456/18/2007 0:21:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
i think it will be odd at first but i think in time well see great results !!!
jakebomb6/15/2007 19:17:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
Amiable1 said "I HATE Hendrick!!!"<br />He should know better the meaning of his "web name".<br />Truex is all FALSE in case you didn't know.<br />You are not "amiable".
cigar0076/15/2007 17:04:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
you know what,i am still a dale sr. fan and he has been gone for six years now,so I will remain a dale jr. no matter who he races for,thats called loyalty,so if you change your mind now about if you are a dale jr. fan then that shows how dedicated you are to your driver .
dale3earnhardt8always6/15/2007 15:14:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
For all over you Hendrick/Gordon haters, do you not know that it was Dale Sr that gave Hendrick his first ever win in a Busch car, or that Sr was Gordons biggest mentor, and supporter, and they were actually business partners, the rivalry is nothing more than 2 racecar drivers being the best they can be, the hatred is purely fan based, did anyone not see Jr run to victory lane to congratulate Gordon when he broke Srs win record, and thank him for taking his victory lap flying the #3flag, get your facts straight
ndjrfan6/15/2007 14:04:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
You poor Jr fans, why would you hate Hendricks, because he fields talent. Some of us Hendrick fans hate Jr because we can't believe so much attention is poured on someone that has not accomplished much. Jr for example has been in the Cup series two years longer than Johnson and yet JJ has ten more wins and a championship in his resume. I as a JJ fan can only wait for the day when Jr fans go with someone else to cheer for, as it is only natural for people to want to cheer for a winner. I never wanted Jr coming to Hendrick as I am sure most Hendrick fans would agree. As for Jr winning a championship now that he will have better equipment, at Hendricks it takes more than that, it takes talent. No championships for Jr, sorry.
Joker616/15/2007 13:11:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
When I first heard Jr. was going to Hendrick I wasn't to happy,but when you think about it if you are really a fan of his you wouldn't let him going to ANY team stop you from cheering him on every race. It also helps when your bedroom is devoted to him!! I don't know about everyone else, but I will still cheer him on just like always.
LEFTY86/15/2007 12:53:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
I have been an Earnhardt fan since the 80's and a Jeff Gordon fan in 1993 and 1994 but was not much of a fan after Jr started in Busch. But this year Jeff grew up and is going to be a dad so I am ok with him and Jr on the same team (Hendrick Motorsports).
joe19466/15/2007 12:09:00 PM(Report inappropriate content)
As a true Dale Earnhardt fan both JR and SR. I am behind him all the way. Why do you think he gets in the car in the first place? Its not because he likes to turn left, its to win races. Thats why all the drivers get in the car. If JR feels that the best place for him to win races is HMS then so be it. I will still cheer the loudest when he is passing JG or JJ. <br /><br />All those so called SR fans should be ashamed to call themselves fans and still want DEI to fall apart. I will still be pulling for Truex too.
tamcat086/15/2007 11:21:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
My 3 year old Grandson is obcessed with Dale Jr. and Nascar. He has been since he could pick up a hot wheel! He lives it 24/7. He won't wear anything but a Dale Jr. shirt, his favorite color is RED, any kind of candy he eats has to be RED, and the list goes on and on. He knows every driver by there #'s. He knows more than the grown men that get into Nascar. He will tell you who won the last race if you missed it! He saids he is going to race the RED #8 car one day! So, we had to explain how Dale Jr. might not be in the RED #8 car anymore. He is taking it just fine. He said he would just have to buy more cars. (He sleeps with a Dale Jr. car every night). If a 3 year can except the change, then I think everyone else should be able to except it. GOOD LUCK to Dale Jr. from his youngest, most dedicated fan! (AUSTIN from Greenfield, IN). <br />His papaw is taking him to the Brickyard this year for his first RACE! He sat through practice last year at the age of two and named every driver. And asked his papaw when is Dale going to be out there! When he came out, Austin had the biggest grin on his face and was shaking! I wish he could meet him one day.- Sincerely, Austin's Grandma
l1ittlefan6/15/2007 11:14:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
I have always been a Gordon and Jr. fan. I think this would be great for Jr. You just watch and see...Jr. will be someone to reckon with in the future. Congrats to Jr. and if you are a REAL Jr fan you'll be happy too!
jgreene246/15/2007 10:54:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
I hate gordon and i hate johnson and would hate to see jr kissing there butts and "winning as a team" with those guys
montananascar96/15/2007 10:47:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
amiable - you're an idiot, tone11d - you're an idiot that can't spell, and to all the JR fans, if you're truely a fan, it shouldn't matter who they drive for. Welcome aboard Dale.
gordon70246/15/2007 10:22:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
Right on jrfanforever! A true Jr fan would support him no matter where he goes. Jr is going to where he can win - that's what it is all about! Gordon is not my driver but I still like him because you have to admit - he is a very talented driver and a gentleman. Dale Jr will always be my man no matter where he goes and I think that with Hendrick he will finally get a championship. Teresa made a big mistake by letting him go - her loss, Hendrick's gain!
nascardeb086/15/2007 10:09:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
I am very disappointed in jr's choice to go to Hendrick, there is more to racing than just winning and if you are good enough you should be able to win for any team (EXCEPT TOYOTA)
montananascar96/15/2007 9:28:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
if your a true and real fan of Jr then you would follow him anywhere he went , DEI with the evil step monster in charge well never be any good she doesnt know her head from her ass , Jr still has to beat gordon and Johnson no matter were he drives and come on Hendrick can get it done for him , so I being a true jr fan and gordon hater well stand by my driver!!!
Trujrfan6/15/2007 9:14:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
It should not matter where he goes if you are jr fan then you should support him no matter what....
maleko6/15/2007 7:34:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
jr is my favorite driver along with tony stewart.but it bugs me knowing that he is going to be team mates with jeff!
plslts26/15/2007 7:09:00 AM(Report inappropriate content)
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