Dale Earnhardt Jr.: 'Hopefully next year will be better'

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Friday, November 20, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports' Dale Earnhardt Jr. is 24th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings. (Tim Parks / NASCAR Scene)

Hendrick Motorsports' Dale Earnhardt Jr. is 24th in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings.

Tim Parks
NASCAR Scene

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Mired in what is statistically his worst Sprint Cup season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t ready for 2009 to be over.

Earnhardt Jr. stopped short of calling 2009 his worst season, but the Hendrick Motorsports driver who was considered a championship contender in February yet is now 24th in the driver standings is trying to look forward on the final race weekend of the year.

“I wouldn’t declare this my worst season,” Earnhardt Jr. said following qualifying Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “It’s been hard. This is our worst season statistically and performance, all the signs point to it being far worse than any other. But a lot of good things happened, too. It’s been interesting. Every year is worth going through no matter how it works out.

“Hopefully next year will be better. I want to keep racing because I think we need more racing. We’re not good as a team yet. We need to race more. We don’t need to say, ‘All right, let’s get this year over with and get ready for next year.’ We need to race more so I wish the year wasn’t over. Unfortunately, it is and we have to try during the offseason to fix what we can without being able to go to the race track and seeing if that’s working. Hopefully when we show up at Daytona, we’ve made the right calls.”

Earnhardt Jr. entered the season with high hopes, paired with crew chief and cousin Tony Eury Jr. But that relationship ended in May, when Eury Jr. was replaced by Lance McGrew. At the time McGrew took over, the Earnhardt Jr. was 19th in the standings.

“I see improvement,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “But we’ve got a lot of work to do over the offseason. We have got to really focus and challenge ourselves to be as good as we can next year. I think the team – these guys are really good people, they work hard and they deserve better. Hopefully we can evolve and learn and prepare ourselves for next season and have a better year. … It’s going to be a challenge for us, but I feel real, real confident in Lance. I feel good about my guys and hope that the racing gods are kind to us when next year comes around.”

How Earnhardt Jr. feels has been a source of debate this year. At times, he’s seemed optimistic. At other times, he’s seemed completely frustrated.

“I feel better than I did earlier this year, but I’ve got a long ways to go to get back my confidence that I need,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “When the car is there, it’s easy to be confident, have swagger and all that. We sort of live and die by how each day goes. Every lap in practice, if it starts bad, it affects the tone. It’s really hard to stay positive. That’s the hardest part and the one thing that I focus the most on is maintaining my attitude throughout the day because confidence ain’t quite there where it needs to be.

“Every little thing that happens during the day, whether it be race day or on Saturday or Friday can sort of really change how you feel and your confidence in the car and your ability to go out there and get it done, the team’s ability to make the car better, whatever, on the next run. That needs to get better and that’s what I’ve worked the hardest on is trying to show my guys that even if we try this and it didn’t work, I feel good that we can go back out and improve.”

To do that, Earnhardt Jr. and his team need to confidence – in each other.

“I need to believe that they believe and vice versa,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “If they get the feeling that I don’t believe in them, then we are done, That’s the worst thing I can do. It’s a two-way street between every boy on that team.”

And so far, Earnhardt Jr. does have that confidence in McGrew, who worked in what was then the Busch Series with Ricky Hendrick, who was friends with Earnhardt Jr.

“[McGrew] has made some good changes, and we’ll see hopefully some more of that as we get closer to Daytona,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “He’s already done some pretty good changes at the shop. He’s done a pretty good job of helping us improve as a team. I know it’s hard to see and the results don’t say that at all. If I didn’t feel confident in this, I’d have a hard time showing it, I suppose.”

Earnhardt Jr. certainly didn’t show confidence last month at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where he said he was frustrated and at the end of his rope. The driver said those comments helped fuel a recent National Enquirer story that implied he was depressed and out partying too much – something that Earnhardt Jr. denies.

“I got all tore up about how we qualified in Charlotte and got in front of you guys and sort of really said how I feel, but a couple of the metaphors that I use, such as the ‘end of my rope’ and all of that stuff really kind of put me within range of those guys,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “So they played target practice on that.

“I actually researched online how many people had sued the Enquirer and how many people had won, but reading through my article they sort of twist the sentences around to where they’re not really calling you out hard. They’re worded so that you really can’t go after it. It really doesn’t bother me that much. A lot of people say any publicity is good publicity. We’re [nearly] 25th in points and we’re relevant for the National Enquirer.”

As far as good publicity, Earnhardt Jr. tried to generate some good publicity for teammate Jimmie Johnson, who only needs to finish 25th or better to clinch his fourth consecutive Cup title.

“You’ve got to give Jimmie his credit,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “He’s earned the respect that we should give him. He’s a hell of a person. He doesn’t cause any trouble. He’s not too vanilla. If you get to know Jimmie, he’s got a great personality. He’s great for representing the sport. … You definitely would have to put him there with my father, Richard [Petty] and David Pearson.

“You definitely would have to put him there now. He was already there before in a lot of people’s lists, but four in a row, man. Why can’t they go for five? Their team is that good.”

Comments

44 responses to "Dale Earnhardt Jr.: 'Hopefully next year will be better'". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    sweetthings88 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 5:17 PM

    I wish Dale Jr. and team #88 the best of luck Sunday. We know Dale Jr. and team will come out stronger than ever in 2010. Just stay strong Dale Jr. Love Ya.

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  2. 2
    Villebilly said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 5:49 PM

    I hope for a better season in 10 to, maybe 10 wins in 10 Jr.!

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  3. 3
    Robby said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 7:38 PM

    Starting 32 after running 8th in practice isnt a good sign. If you listen to the in car radio, how they talk is very different from what they say to the media, they want people to think they have things figured out and have a plan, etc but in reality the whole team is lost, wandering aimlessly. Mr Hendrick wants everyone to think he cares and that he's fixing the problem but he's lying through his teeth. As long as the sponsorship money rolls in, Johnson, Gordon, Martin win races and championships he doesnt care where Jr runs. Once Jr loses fans, sponsors and money, Rick will throw Jr to the curb like trash, thats what a smart business man does..

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  4. 4
    Carol-88-fan said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 7:44 PM

    Dale Jr will be fine. He will not lose his real fans. We keep saying over and over that we believe in him and will for support him as long as he is racing.

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  5. 5
    dmiller70 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 8:19 PM

    Robby:
    I have a HUGH bone to pick with you,why pick on junior is it so hard to be nice instead of treating him like a second class remember every fox smells there own hole ya know. just because he isnt have that great of a season dosnt mean any of us are gonna abandon him I would never do that to him. Or is your problem because he is so Loved by his fans. and you cant stand it. or is it because he last name is "EARNHARDT" Junior is his own man, Senior was good in his time but its now time for Junior to shine. and i am so proud of him.. He could give up racing tomorrow and i would still be proud of him whatever makes junior happy is what is important I am standing strong by your side junior till the day you hang your keys up for good. good luck at homestead sunday.

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  6. 6
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 8:32 PM

    Dale will do just fine next year. They need to work hard all winter and get better starting positions. I feel he has that determination to move on and do much better.

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  7. 7
    Robby said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 8:45 PM

    You keep believing that. I am a realist, I hope Jr does well in 2010 but you and others feel need to defend and protect him as if he were a child. Nothing you do or say will matter, Jr will succeed or fail on his own. If Jr has another 1-2 years like 2009 you think everyones going to keep supporting him??? I highly doubt it, since 2004 Jr has but 3 wins in 5 years, its going to take a miracle for him to return to his past winning ways, his stats and others before him don't lie.

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  8. 8
    sweetthings88 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 9:16 PM

    I will always support Dale Jr. on what he does or what he doesn't do.I will be by his side.

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  9. 9
    gwen_susie388 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 9:30 PM

    Robby, since 2004 Dale, Jr's fan base has grown larger and larger. So why do you think fans are going to leave him now? Don't confuse supporting a driver and hoping he does well in 2010 defending him. His fans have stayed with him all these years! It's a team effort...BTW....nothing you say or do will matter either! You said Jr. has 3 wins in 5 years but his fan base is growing larger every year. I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES! LOL.. I am a realist too... I just believe in staying positive and thinking positive! Positive thinking feels better than negative thinking any day of the week! If you hope Jr. does better in 2010, throw some positive feedback his way! And remember....Dale, Jr. is a smart business man too!

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  10. 10
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    #8 SWEETTHINGS88 Next year will be a breakout year for Jr. #7 There are ups and downs in sports, and a few not so good years doesn't mean Jr can't bounce back. He happens to all drivers.

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  11. 11
    sweetthings88 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 9:48 PM

    YOU ARE SO TRUE CHEVELLE. DALE JR. FANS WILL ALWAYS HANG IN THERE WITH HIM.

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  12. 12
    buckshot88 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 9:50 PM

    Post#5, i am a Dale jr fan, but a Dale sr fan long before jr. now you say Dale sr was good in his time? how about the best ever(7 time champion!) let's be realistic here,jr's time to shine? when does that start? why can't you be a fan and be dissapointed to? if you are realistic and are watching him race you soon realize jr has yet to shine! and he is also running out of time! now i am sure i will catch a lot of h*** from jr nation and whomever reads my post and thats fine, everyone has the right to thier opinion but anyone with a brain in thier head should be able to connect the dots with what i'm saying!

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  13. 13
    Robby said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 9:50 PM

    I hope he does bounce back, Mark Martin has shown that it can be done. Jr is smart but sometimes I think he relys on Kelly too much. I know I'm too negative, after this year its hard to stay positive, it's not easy being a Jr fan these day's. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, Jr qualifing 32nd has got me in a grumpy mood.

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  14. 14
    gwen_susie388 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 10:07 PM

    You see # 13... You are already showing positive feedback by saying Mark Martin has shown it can be done. We are all disappointed this year, but we will continue to support JR. You stick with your driver through the good and the bad. Believe me all JR. fans know better than any other fans what its like to run up front all day and then something go wrong. You haven't offended me. I have been grumpy too when I see a lot of what has happened this year with JR! Don't listen to the nay-sayers. GO DALE JR!!

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  15. 15
    gthom56978 said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 10:18 PM

    I will not give up on DaleJr. Its been tough, but nothing last forever. Being a Loyal fan you do not give up on your driver due to the fact things are yet not going well. I have to say again. Loyal Fans I mean LOYAL: never give up. And DaleJr. will not give up. Surely he gets frustrated, we all do in life. Its just a matter of time. And the comment someone made on Rick Hendrick, I don't beleive that. And the tabloids, who reads Inquirer. Its all gossip about other people lives. Junior Nation has Loyal fans. Whom would we cheer for. I have no other choice. Good Luck in Homestead DaleJr. Just have a goodtime down there. For get about he say she say CRAP!!!!!!!

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  16. 16
    dale-jr-is-the-greatest-driver-alive said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 10:38 PM

    look on the bright side they had the car good enough too post a top ten in practice meaning they have a car good enough too post fast laps they just need too make it consistent and they'll have a good race good luck junior ..................
    (DJFFL)Dale Junior Fan For Life

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  17. 17
    jimhealey said:
    Nov 20, 2009 at 10:55 PM

    I so hope Junior really feels what he says. I'm anxious and hesitant for Daytona. Surely 2010 can't be a repeat of this year and the entire 88 team will have the success as does the rest of the Hendrick dynasty.

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  18. 18
    gthom56978 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 12:29 AM

    JUST BELEIVE. DALEJR. WE WILL MOVE FORWARD. WE WILL WIN. Junior you have loyal fans. We are by you all the way. Don't know why my post was removed. Oh, well, probably what I said enquirer, is there a site that beleives THE FIRST AMENDMENT.

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  19. 19
    LUV88AND99 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 12:32 AM

    Before starting work every morning, I have devotion time with the Lord. Yesterday I prayed that Dale Jr. would have faith and the confidence to turn things around. At first I felt guilty praying for my driver, but folks, I love him like he was a member of my family, and I pray for them all the time. Lets start a prayer chain for him. Remember, "if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible to you." Go get 'em Jr., we are "all in".

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  20. 20
    gthom56978 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 6:06 AM

    That is so true #19. So true. Lets go to Homestead....#88.

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  21. 21
    gibbs111820 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 8:50 AM

    why are all of you dale junior fans always so delusional and get caught up in all of the hype? face the fact that junior is washed up and he will never get any better. he reminds me of kyle petty who like dale junior had a father with a famous last name but that's as far as it went. both offspring are good guy's but stink as nascar drivers.

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  22. 22
    sweetthings88 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 8:51 AM

    AMEN!!! LUV88AND99 SO TRUE. BEST WISHES TO DALE JR. AND TEAM #88 IN HOMESTEAD.

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  23. 23
    gwen_susie388 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    GIBBS111820.....Why do you come in here and put your two cents worth in and get caught up in the "hype?" Maybe because you have the right to your opinion just as we do. There is no FACT that Dale, Jr. is washed up. So if you don't mind, I will keep believing in him as a NASCAR driver and we will just see what happens. I wish I had a dollar every time someone made a comment that Dale, Jr. has his Daddy's last name. If you think that is as far as it went....You better think again. Dale, JR. has some good stats that a lot of drivers would love to say they had. Congratulations on Kyle Busch winning the NNW Championship! They should go ahead and post the article so you guys could go start celebrating about the NNW Championship Win! Enjoy his first Championship Win. Everyone have a great day!

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  24. 24
    austinh said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 11:40 AM

    Jimmie Johnson the best there is the best there was and the best there ever will be his stats back it up and with the contract extension he will rewrite more history Dale Jr needs to get of that high line and watch what others are doing and just because it dont feel good does not mean its not good or fast you have to work for it there not handing out wins anymore you have to take them.Have a nice day

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  25. 25
    pkatz said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 4:09 PM

    Dale Jr. is a good driver. Any human regardless of the work or job he has will have ups and downs, this was that year. He will come out of it before the next season starts and will be back in form. Too many think he is washed up. Only his fans believe in him. Too many people are jealous of him because they wish they were him. You go Jr. I believe in him.

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  26. 26
    mwallick said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    "Villebilly said:Nov 20, 2009 at 5:49 PM
    I hope for a better season in 10 to, maybe 10 wins in 10 Jr.!"

    & his birthday will be 10/10/10. :)

    "LUV88AND99 said:Nov 21, 2009 at 12:32 AM
    Before starting work every morning, I have devotion time with the Lord. Yesterday I prayed that Dale Jr. would have faith and the confidence to turn things around. At first I felt guilty praying for my driver, but folks, I love him like he was a member of my family, and I pray for them all the time. Lets start a prayer chain for him. Remember, "if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible to you." Go get 'em Jr., we are "all in"."

    I am with you.... :)
    Marybeth
    PS Personally, I hope he drives for another team next year. :)

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  27. 27
    keith308 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 4:19 PM

    Losing fans will happen when you don't win. Diecast sales are 70% off on Jr. from two years ago and numbers don't lie. Hope he does better and win so we call sell his cars.

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  28. 28
    dale3fan638 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 5:11 PM

    So, diecast sales are 70% off on Jr from two years ago.........then what percentage are they off for all the other drivers?? I'd bet they're all really off since money is tighter this year. I didn't buy much this year either...that's probably a good part of the 70%! lol
    I'm realistic about how Jr's done this year and still believe he'll bounce back. Jimmie has had 4 unbelievable years. He's a great driver. But there's always only one winner per race. And it could've been Jimmie in the wrong place at the wrong time to be wrecked out of the race. And, yes, next year I'll be for cheering Jr, probably more than this year, so that he can turn this around. All you Jr haters need to go read all the millions of articles about your favorite drivers.

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  29. 29
    diamond56 said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 6:02 PM

    Jr., don't say hopefully, say I WILL be better next year. There is no place for negativity, you attract what you throw out in the universe, so let's throw out being POSITIVE. You are a great driver, you have the know how, you just need to get out there next year and GET IT DONE! Remember who you are and where you came from. JR. IN '10 IS GONNA GET THE WINS!!!!!

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  30. 30
    groveroak said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 6:18 PM

    The main reason Diecast sales are down (not 70%)is because of Greed and price,since the mid 1990's Action racing collectables tried to controll the market and was doing good until mid 2000 and sales started going south (not Dale jr)so they flodded the market to make up foe lost sales.Long story short they are Bankrupt!!!!!! Dale jr is a Great Person and Race Driver!!!!! LIVE WITH HATERS!!!!!

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  31. 31
    SS396Chevelle said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 8:35 PM

    #27 Losing fans will happen when you don't win? I think not. Take a good look at the Chicago Cubs and the Boston Redsox before they won the world series. Both teams sell out every game and will continue to sell out. Fans don't come and go because a team isn't winning, it goes far deeper then that.

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  32. 32
    exdalefan said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 8:57 PM

    OK, this is it, if Jr. didn't have a famous name, he would have been kicked to the curb long ago. But, since he is Jr. then, next year, he should either either get himself together, for himself and his fans, or he is OUT, bottom line... simple, but true. If he didn't have the famous name, he would have been out already. Do it, Jr. or get off the pot....

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  33. 33
    dorarhodes said:
    Nov 21, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    Geez, I am glad you are a X #32!

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  34. 34
    pj88 said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 1:52 AM

    #31,and those fans will understand that Jr fans love their driver and yes I do feel very protective of Jr.I feel like he is part of my family and I am the same with them.There's no need to try and explain it,but to me ,Dale Jr is a special kind of person and I am proud to be his fan,not his Dad's fan,which I never was,but his fan.I believe he will do great next year and I pray for him also.I will be a fan forever no matter what.

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  35. 35
    legends73 said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 3:17 AM

    I have two words for Rick Hendrick...

    "Steve Addington". Period. Hire Him. Period. Look at what he did with Busch. Look at what he could bring to the table to your organization from one of the best Toyota teams out there... Think about it over the offseason. But, don't wait too long, or you'll certainly think wrong... THE END -

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  36. 36
    dmiller70 said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 7:29 AM

    hey #34 i couldnt agree with you more i am the exact same way. could not of said it better.

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  37. 37
    sibbi173 said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 11:07 AM

    All Jr. has to think about is the tremendous fan support he has now and always will have, and that alone should cheer him up. Be grateful, think positive, and you WILL win races again. I guarantee it!! So smile Jr. and keep moving forward.....

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  38. 38
    Carol-88-fan said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 11:54 AM

    #34&37,Right on.

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  39. 39
    Robby said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 12:44 PM

    Addington is now offically on the market, he told Gibbs he's moving on so yes Hendrick needs to hire him. However I feel if he does Gordon will get him, not Jr.

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  40. 40
    DickHURTZ said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 1:42 PM

    GO JUNIOR ----- go jr. ==== GO JUNIOR BACK TO NATIONWIDE WHERE YOU MAY BE ABLE TO WIN A RACE....

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  41. 41
    Robby said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 2:52 PM

    I could say the same about Bush Dicky. Nationwide and the Truck series seems to be the only place he can win and dominate.

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  42. 42
    mcrealname said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 5:28 PM

    oh just go play in your bar "no-talent", and let a REAL driver have the car!

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  43. 43
    andee said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 8:32 PM

    I hope I never hear how old he was when he got insurance again.I do not think seeing it 100 times really helps the company.

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  44. 44
    daviclar38 said:
    Nov 22, 2009 at 8:37 PM

    Addington needs to be Jr's chief not Gordon's, because Steve has the ability to turn the 88 around, and because of the southern boy in both of them will help them to communicate better between the two!

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