On the Loose Side
A NASCAR BLOG BY Kenny Bruce
It’s just a decal, people
I’m sorry, but I just can’t get that worked up over the fact that one particular car number won’t be on the track this weekend in Phoenix or anytime soon for that matter.
Then again, I guess I’m just not the sentimental type.
Fans of Dale Earnhardt Jr., as well as a number of folks in the media, have been extremely “vocal” in singing dirges regarding the demise of the No. 8. They’ve placed blame anywhere and everywhere.
It’s a car number, people. Get over it. It’s a decal.
Is it disappointing that the No. 8 is already collecting dust in some corner of the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing shop? Sure it is. But it’s not the end of the world. It’s not the end of racing.
Here’s a news flash for all of those still trying to come to grips with the idea that the No. 8 has been sidelined: Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives the No. 88 Chevrolet. You can still see him each and every time there’s a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. You can still cheer for him, boo against him, and buy his merchandise if you so choose.
If you want to feel bad, feel bad for Aric Almirola, the kid who was slated to compete full time in the No. 8 this year. A very talented driver with plenty of potential is the sport’s latest casualty.
Who’s complaining that he no longer has a ride? Who’s up in arms because he won’t be at Phoenix?
Hardly anyone.
That’s the issue. That’s what should disappoint fans and the media, and create a stir.
Not the fact that something as insignificant as a car number has been put out to pasture.
Kenny Bruce
Kenny Bruce covered his first auto race in 1981 and, except for a brief four-year departure to work in drag racing, has been at it ever since. He joined NASCAR Scene in 2001.
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Comments
6 responses to " It’s just a decal, people". Post a Comment.
Joe White said:
Apr 16, 2009 at 7:29 AMI understand your point and I do feel bad for Almirola but I feel equally bad for Travis Kvapil. I think Jr. should have been able to take the number 8 with him. It seems to give him a mental boost. I personally do not feel that much loss with the number 8 but I do feel that loss with the number 28. I still miss the black and orange Texaco Ford.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportAnonymous said:
Apr 16, 2009 at 7:44 AMThank you for finally showing some reason in the media!! It's just a number folks..you would think the way folks are carrying on they have the dream if Junior still had the number 8 he would magically win! What ever happened between Mrs. Earnhardt and Junior is done... and no one but Junior, Mrs. Earnhardt and the lamp post will ever know the truths behind the split. Thank goodness no one ever told Mr. Stewart, the Busch brothers, Ryan Newman, Clint Bowyer, Mark Martin, etc. that once they left their long standing car numbers they would never run above 30th place again in a race. I feel bad for DEI and Aric. That is where the discusssion begins and ends..Not everything in NA$CAR is about Junior..heck for that matter not everything is this world is about Junior..and there are alot of people who need to wake up and smell the gasoline fumes.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMichael Daly said:
Apr 16, 2009 at 10:27 AM#8 is not even Junior's number. People need to grow the heck up here.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRyan C. said:
Apr 16, 2009 at 4:20 PMIf it is just a decal then we should bring the #3 back on the track. I know Jr. doesn't drive that car anymore and I could care less that the #8 won't be on the track but it is not just a decal or there wouldn't be sentimental value with the #3.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMichael Daly said:
Apr 18, 2009 at 11:37 AMRyan C. That is correct. #3 has as much sentimental value as Jack Tatum - none. Take it away from RCR (which purchases the number every year) and assign it to another team.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBob Koba said:
Apr 19, 2009 at 3:51 PMThis article is right on. Also put the #3 back on the track. Use it or lose it.
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