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Jared Turner: No excuses left for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
By Jared Turner - SceneDaily Staff Writer
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports' Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 12th in the final 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings.
Jason Smith
Getty Images for NASCAR
COMMENTARY
The 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season will be the most telling of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s career.
If NASCAR’s most popular driver goes out and wins a handful of races, contends for several more victories, makes the Chase For The Sprint Cup and poses at least a semi-serious threat for the title once the Chase commences, his critics should go ahead and acknowledge that he is probably one of NASCAR’s best wheelmen.
If Earnhardt Jr. flounders and doesn’t live up to expectations in his second season with the powerful Hendrick Motorsports organization, there’s reason to believe that he never will.
Unlike a driver whose potential no one never really knows because he is stuck with a back-marker team that can’t provide the resources to run up front consistently, Earnhardt Jr.’s struggles to achieve the level of success that many believed he would in NASCAR’s top series have transcended crew chiefs, owners and even car numbers.
At Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company founded by Earnhardt Jr.’s father, the late Dale Earnhardt, and the place where he spent his first eight Cup seasons, the most commonly heard excuse for Junior’s failure to win a Cup championship was inadequate equipment.
Even when DEI was in its heyday – from 2001 to about 2004 – it was widely believed that the company still couldn’t measure up with the Hendrick Motorsportses, Roush Fenway Racings and Joe Gibbs Racings of the world in terms of machinery and personnel.
So some observers, perhaps justifiably, gave Earnhardt Jr. a pass for not only failing to win a championship, but failing to win races on a consistent basis.
It seems to reason, though, that even if Earnhardt Jr. wasn’t given the best equipment at DEI, an outstanding crew chief might have been able to help make up the difference.
During his time at DEI, Earnhardt Jr. worked with five crew chiefs – Tony Eury Sr., Tony Eury Jr., Pete Rondeau, Steve Hmiel and Tony Gibson.
Sure, there were high points such as 2004, when he won six races and finished third in the championship race. And there were particularly lean years such as 2007 when he missed the Chase and failed to win a race.
Despite the differences between each pit boss in style, philosophy and skill, Earnhardt Jr.’s results through all the crew-chief pairings have averaged out to be … well, average.
A popular theory among the Earnhardt Jr. faithful is that his current pit boss, cousin Eury Jr., is the biggest reason for the driver’s struggles.
But can you really say that all five crew chiefs that have worked with Earnhardt Jr. haven’t been up to par?
It’s doubtful.
The point of this entry is not to question Earnhardt Jr.’s driving ability, though. With 18 career Cup wins, including a Daytona 500 triumph, over nine full Cup seasons (not to mention two Busch Series titles prior to Cup), Earnhardt Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance. He has proven he has the talent to get the job done.
The only lingering question left to be answered is whether he has the heart and commitment to do what it takes – namely showing up each weekend with his head in the game and keeping it there the entire race – to be a champion.
While Earnhardt Jr. pieced together a solid debut campaign last season with Hendrick Motorsports, his overall results – which included one win and a 12th-place points finish - were far from spectacular. As has been customary for Earnhardt Jr. over the years, he often ran well early in races only to fade near the end. And as in the past, Earnhardt Jr. continued his occasionally childish exchanges over the in-car radio with Eury Jr.
But let’s give Earnhardt Jr. the benefit of the doubt one last time.
Even though Hendrick Motorsports clearly provides all its drivers with top-notch equipment, it is still plausible that Earnhardt Jr. needed a season to work out the bugs and adjust to the culture of a new organization.
Maybe Eury Jr., who left DEI for Hendrick near the end of 2007 to reunite with his cousin, needed the same.
But with a year under his belt at Hendrick – winner of the last three Cup titles and four in this decade – Earnhardt Jr. has no excuse for underperforming anymore.
Sure, he has a five-year contract with the organization. But year No. 2 at Hendrick and No. 10 in Cup will tell the true tale of whether he can take it to the next level – and stay there.
Mentioned Drivers: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings
Driver Standings after the AMP Energy 500
| 1 | Jimmie Johnson | 6248 |
| 2 | Mark Martin | -184 |
| 3 | Jeff Gordon | -192 |
| 4 | Juan Pablo Montoya | -239 |
| 5 | Tony Stewart | -279 |
| 6 | Kurt Busch | -312 |
| 7 | Greg Biffle | -340 |
| 8 | Ryan Newman | -402 |
| 9 | Kasey Kahne | -414 |
| 10 | Carl Edwards | -437 |
| 11 | Denny Hamlin | -448 |
| 12 | Brian Vickers | -556 |
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Comments
75 responses to "Jared Turner: No excuses left for Dale Earnhardt Jr. ". Post a Comment.
sylvia goodale said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 8:40 AMDale Jr. is a great driver, but he frequently acts like a petulant, spoiled child, easy to fly off the handle at critical times. Maybe he needs a new crew chief, or may he just needs to grow up and focus, like his teammates.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportteresa beachler said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 9:17 AMDale Jr. is a good driver not a great driver! He is a nice person who likes to mix his racing with partying. He is 34 and with goin on his 10th year in the Cup series he might get 1 or 2 championships if hes real lucky.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportteresa beachler said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 9:21 AMIt seems like the Dale Jr. censorhip team are workin this weekend because comments are not goin though
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBrenda Thompson said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 9:40 AMWhat would all of you writers have to do if you couldn't rag on Jr.?????? To those of us who love him no matter what!!!! Just leave him alone.He will show all of you what he can do this year.Jr. Nation will always stand behind him !! Can't wait for the first race. It has been too long since we saw a race.Show them what you've got Junebug!!! Make 'em all weap!!!! Jr. will have his best year yet in 2009!!!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTim the Fan said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 10:39 AMI've always thought that Jr. was a good driver, not great like his Daddy, but talented all the same. He takes critisizm for not having a stellar year last year after joining Hendrick's but neither did a four time Champion. They both had good years and envious years by lesser drivers, but because they both are who they are many fans expect more. NASCAR is ebbs and flows and if Jr never wins a Championship or Jeff never wins another, they have both left a very impressive mark on the sport. As fans we back our favorites with heartfelt enthusiasm but as real fans we need to admire everyone of these guys who races at the top three levels. They are all our drivers.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportrita craig said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 11:03 AMTo all of you non Jr fans and believers, we as Jr Nation have faith in him. People wanna rag on him cause he didn't come out and win the Chase last year or a hand full of races. Well Gordin didn't win one and he's supposed to be one of the bests. What did everyone expect? It was his first year at Hendrick with a new team and of course the new COT. Give the man a break and let him get comfy with his new home and new ride before you start doggin his drivin ability. Jr I believe in you and hope that you make all of the negative ones eat thier words this year! Go Get Em 88!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportArthur Trim said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 11:34 AMCompare his winning percentage with Matt Kenseth. Ten years in cup, Budweiser spent a least $180 million plus on the 8 team. Very well could be that JR is as good as he will ever be. He will retire in 12-14 yrs. with a net worth of $250 million, maybe 25-28 wins and maybe 1 championship. Could be a lot worse!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportjanice harris said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 12:00 PMjr is a mediocre driver as of now. he has not shown the winning ability that he had as a nationwide driver. i don't see a championship in his future. i think he also knows he is not as good as his fans seem to think,
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPat Draper said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 12:06 PMJr. nation we are not throwing Jr under the bus but come on people fact the truth. He is not the driver his father was and never will be but you people don't seem to get that. Having faith in him isn't going to get the job done. Maybe just maybe if enough people get on his case and he wakes up and stops partying and gets himself in shape then and only then will we see a change in his driving he has to forget about his bar and drinking buddies and put all his forcus on driving then we will see a change.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportjanice harris said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 12:09 PMI think Jr' is over-rated as a driver and I do not see a cup championship in his future. I think Jr. knows this also.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMarti Heath said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 1:37 PMI find it hilarious that the nation is now falling back on comparing Jrs. season with Gordons. At least Gordon peaked in his career with 4 championships and close to 100 wins. (OMG, I'm tooting Gordons horn!) Jimmy Johnson has accomplished so much more in almost the same amount of time in Cup as Jr. Jr. is a GOOD driver. A "racer"? maybe not. Love him for who he is, but quit making excuses for him. There's no stepmom, DEI or bad equipment to blame anymore. He gets rid of Tony Jr. and it's all on his shoulders. Jr. raced well when he knew his dad was there to yank his rear end out of the car and put him back to changing oil at the dealership. Dales not here for Jr. to run to get his attention and respect anymore and the fire has faded. A loss for Jr. all the fans and NASCAR.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportmike stalling said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 1:53 PMjr is not his dad and never will be. he is a decent driver and he has the disadvantage of having that last name. if he had another last name like bubula, or barney, it would be a different story. i am not a great fan of his. i like others more and i like others less. unfortunatly, all these drivers are driving in a series that is going down hill fast. good luck boys. you are going to need it
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMichael Daly said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 2:04 PMRita, Junior came out and won the Shootout, then won the 150. Everyone expected the 500 to be his; he never ran close to what he'd run in the prelims and it set the tone for the season. That he's gone through five crew chiefs indicates he has a serious problem as a racer. Junior fans want to blame Eury Jr. but can't cite a crew chief they think can actually work.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRon Trantham said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 2:53 PMI think something as to be wrong with the loyalty of Jr. and his cousin. I think new crew chief is definitely something they ought to look at. The car runs with the best to start with, and they can't seem to adjust with the track changes. I think Dale is a good driver, they have got to find a way to keep car tuned into the track when changes come about later in the day. Big fan , go Dale, do whatever it takes to get championship. You are not getting any younger. Ron
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRon Trantham said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 2:56 PMI think something as to be wrong with the loyalty of Jr. and his cousin. I think new crew chief is definitely something they ought to look at. The car runs with the best to start with, and they can't seem to adjust with the track changes. I think Dale is a good driver, they have got to find a way to keep car tuned into the track when changes come about later in the day. Big fan , go Dale, do whatever it takes to get championship. You are not getting any younger. Ron P.S Stay off the booze, and you will see a difference, gauranteed.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCynthia Perry said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:04 PMI don't think Eury Jr. is a poor crew chief, but I think maybe a change would shake things up. I also think if Dale Jr. would start working out he wouldn't be as exhausted in the middle of the race when he loses his concentration.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportKen Osborne said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:10 PMI think Jr is a good driver when his car is right. However, when it gets off, I don't think he can communicate exactly what needs to be done to correct it. You could blame it on the crew chief except he has had five and that didn't help. His succes in the Nationwide series was helped in that the races are shorter and there is less time for the car to get off and need correcting. I think his communication skills and feeling for what the car needs will always haunt him and leave him an average driver.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMARTIN said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:16 PMI am a Junior fan but a disappointed Junior fan. 2009 is Juniors year of proving, it's going to be a make it or break year. Mr H is in the busimess to win. Junior is a nice guy but behind the wheel he is immature, grow up baby or you are out.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSally Baker said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:19 PMSo, only drivers that win championships deserve loyal fans? Just because Junior is popular doesn't mean that everyone of his fans need to have him win multiple championships to be his fan. Not that many drivers have won titles, but they all have their loyal fans. Why does it seem to create such controversy that Junior has so many fans? Just because his last name is Earnhardt? A driver doesn't have to be great to have fans. Let it rest, people!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMillporter said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:24 PMIt doesnt bother me Junior doesnt win the handful of races some think he should. He has put on shows like none other. Anyone remember the Pepsi 400 in 2001 when Junior was in that baseball paint scheme Chevy? He slingshot his way up there with 9 laps to go to win the race. I shead a tear becoz we lost Dale Sr that February. Does everyone remember the roar of the crowd when Junior takes the lead no matter what time of the race or how many times he does. NASCAR is going to be hurting this year just like a lot of us in this down economy. I'd say we all need Junior to keep the show rolling.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPeggy Driscoll said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:25 PMNothing wrong with Jr. As a lot of you know, it is pretty tough the first year when you change jobs. Give the kid a chance...He will win more races than any of you think he will. I have a lot of faith in him.....He could use the gym, tho.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMrWalleye2U said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:26 PMI would like to see Tony Sr as his crew chief. Pops knows how to set up a car and even knows what changes needs to be made before Jr ever said a word. Just look at how
Report as Abusehe has made Brad Keselowski into a better driver. If he has a repeat performance Rick
will make a change at the drop of a hat. He
got rid of Vickers and Mears because of poor
performance. Nobody will ever be able to drive like Dale Sr. If Jr drove that way he
would be blacked flagged in a heart beat.
Just another year for all the critics to jump on the bandwagon.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportEileen Tolzmann said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 3:38 PMTim the Fan, you have got it right in that we need to admire and respect all the drivers in NASCAR. We as fans need to lighten up a bit and not take our comments so personally. Facts are facts and the drivers have whatever year they had and always put it behind them and look to do better the next year. I urse the fans out there to stop with the nasty, negative, just plain mean comments. We are all fans and lets respect each other and who we back. If we all backed the same driver, boy would NASCAR be boring. I love NASCAR--period. I have my driver that I back, but I don't want to see the other drivers do badly either. LET IT GO!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportkenny mckinney said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:06 PMdale jr is running out of time riding his daddys name. with things the way they are in this country these days there are more concerns than someone who is a nobody. junior is overated and wishes he was all that everyone says he is. maybe he should start by learning how to talk and respect peoples opinions instead of worrying about his whiskey river club and his partying ways. NEWS FLASH...there is more than 1 driver in nascar who deserves more media time than this guy...
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» Confirm Abuse Reportamy anderson said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:11 PMThere's too much family around him. Family doesn't push as much as outsiders do. He needs a cc that isn't related to him and he probably needs to not depend on Kelly so much. He isn't ten years old anymore.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:12 PMRick Hendrick even said that Jr. needs to focus, especially when it comes to around mid-race. Jr. is too busy arguing with Tony that he's not paying attention to what the car and the track are telling him. Jr. has also said that he wants to be known for HIMSELF, not his father. He has never claimed to be like his father. Fans have put him in that predicament that is too high of an expectation for anyone. I don't know where Jared Turner is coming with 'no more excuses'. Jr. doesn't make excuses. BUT....if he focused,.....I bet he would be able to 'see air' like his Dad!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRich Richardson said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:16 PMSad you still got a job Jared, especially with so many talented people out of work in these slow economic times. This article is the best you could come up with. Same old rag. Get over it.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportOne Who Knows said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:19 PMIf Earnhardt Jr. flounders and doesn’t live up to expectations in his second season with the powerful Hendrick Motorsports organization, there’s reason to believe that he never will
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBob Pomeroy said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:23 PMJr hasn't made much effort to do everything he can do -- like get into physical shape. If he worked at it as hard as some of the drivers, he'd not only increase his endurance, but he'd also learn about the personal and copnsistent effort it takes at his level. Of course, he doesn't have to do that. He's comfortable, endowed way into the future by various unique things he brings with him, but he's hardly being more than a Sunday Driver. Doesn't have the heart of a long distance runner. But he's still my favorite, though he is losing ground.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJanet Bruning said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:32 PMI like Jr as a person, but don't think he has his Dad's personality, and so will never be a racer like his Dad. But that is an unfair comparison. That is like saying Mears will be a racer like his Dad, which is probably not going to happen either. Kyle is better than his older brother. Names don't make racers, performance does. A new crew chief should be in order if Jr doesn't finish in the top 5 within 5 races. Maybe Evernham could help Jr like he did Gordon?
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» Confirm Abuse Reportlydia guidry said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:34 PMI am a diehard Dale Jr. fan and have been since his Busch Cup days. I would love to see him win a championship and alot more races but if he never does I will still enjoy the time I have to watch him race. Since his dad's death I have learned to enjoy the time I have to root for whom I choose win or lose. I think Dale will do fine in 2009! GO JR. See you in Dega...
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» Confirm Abuse ReportScott Ludwig said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:35 PMSr. didn't have the best equip. that was avail. for many many years... Jr. on the other hand... If you can't win with the BEST equip there is...... MAYBE............. Well you know the answer.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPat Schwald said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:37 PMOK OK OK!!!! Why is it that they always have something to say about Dale Jr..not really bad but not that good. How many other drivers have done the same that are in Cup or racing longer. Leave him alone,every year its the same thing..what about Jeff last year..Matt..Denny..Martin Jr.Mark the list will go on & on. For once and for all forget his last name and get off his back. He said it "I am not my father" he is Dale Jr. And as a Jr. fan I dont care when or if, I like him for the man he is not just the driver he is.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportandee anderson said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 4:49 PMJr. hurts himself when he says things like he deserves a championship.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportHarry Grove said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 5:05 PMH. A. Grove said:
Report as AbuseJunebug can drive a race car. He needs to be able to give Tony jr more evedence as to what is going on with the car & race track as the race wears on.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPatsi Wilbanks said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 5:10 PMIf all of you can't understand Jr's position, then you've got your eyes shut!! Just watch some of the drivers...JEALOUSY....they do everything they can to work against him.....look at sissy Johnson or Kylie, when they come around a track most of the drivers move over...BUT NOT FOR JR!!!! Jr has a much harder battle ahead of him...because of his popularity his standards are above everyone else's. Blah blah blah to all of you!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 5:32 PMWhen did Jr. say he 'deserves' a championship?
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» Confirm Abuse ReportDeb Evanson said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 6:06 PMJunior will do fine this year; I'm not too worried about that. I do agree that I think it's time he stops partying and hit the gym and get in shape, but that's only for his own health. He is not his father and I wish people would stop comparing them. Sometimes I wish he would channel his father when he's racing, but Junior is his own man. And why do they write these articles? Look how many comments there are on here. About 10 times more than usual. People love to read anything about Junior. He's golden. End of story.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportphyllis hamilton said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 6:43 PMIf his last name wasn't Earnhardt this would not be an issue.It seems to me that his Dad took time to teach Jeff Gordon alot about racing but no time for his son.Why are you not writing about Mark Martin, who has been racing a lot longer?If you think nascar is in trouble now,let Jr. quit and then see how many seats are filled on race day.At least 75% of the fans are Dale Jr. fans,not Sr. A lot of you want him to be his dad, but he is JR. and has to fight for his own identity.He does not have to win to bring the fans to the track .Get off his case for awhile PLEASE.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportLaura Sharp said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 7:49 PMI have liked Dale Jr. since he first started racing. If he is nothing like his father, so what?? I certainly don't care. I like him just the way he is!! I have tremendous faith in him, and know that he will continue to win races, and if he gets a championship, well, I would be in heaven!! But even if he would never win another race for the rest of his career, it would not change the way I feel about him!!I am a proud member of Jr. nation, and I always will be!!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 8:14 PM#34 - WHEN DID JR. EVER SAY HE 'DESERVES' A CHAMPIONSHIP?
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTimmy Petchak said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 8:54 PMEVERYONE NEEDS SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN, FOR SOME FOLKS, THAT IS EARNHARDT JR. THIS IS A MAN WHO SPENDS MANY OF HIS DOLLARS DONATING TO CHARITIES THAT HELP HARD WORKING, BLUE COLLAR PARENTS THAT WOULD NOT GET HELP OTHERWISE.HE IS A MAN THAT I HAVE SEEN REACH OUT TO OUR MEN AND WOMEN THAT DEFEND OUR GREAT COUNTRY SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR, THIS GUY IS A SMART AND CARING DUDE. HE IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE COLLAR IN HIS HEART, AND THAT IS WHY THE HARD CORE WORKING MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA LOVE THIS GUY. THERE ARE JUST TOO DARN MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THAT THINK LIFE IS A MOVIE, IT IS NOT, CAN YOU HONESTLY SAY THAT EVERYTHING ALWAYS GOES RIGHT IN YOUR WORLD, IT DOES NOT, NOR WILL IT EVER IN HIS. JR HAS A HEART OF GOLD, AND IT SHOWS DAILY, HIS OWN "JR NATION" HAS THAT SAME HEART OF GOLD, AND WE LOVE EVERYONE OF YOU GUYS AND GALS FOR THAT! WE WILL SEE ALL OF YOU IN DAYTONA IN A FEW WEEKS. KEEP YOUR HEADS UP GUYS AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.... TIMMY PETCHAK #88.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportteresa beachler said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 8:57 PM#42, This sport is not about nice guys with good hearts. its about winning and thats it pure in simple. people dont spend hundreds of dollars a weekend to see there driver lose.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportteresa beachler said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 8:59 PMOh and sponsors dont spend 25 million a year to see there car in the middle of the pack!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 9:30 PMI think that everyone should take a good look at the #1 post!
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» Confirm Abuse Reportsaid:
Jan 17, 2009 at 9:49 PMIT SEEMS LIKE JR JUST CANT FOCUS FOR THE WHOLE RACE AND CANT GIVE GOOD ENOUGH FEEDBACK TO HIS MEDIOCURE CREW CHEIF
Report as AbuseDAVE NORCROSS
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» Confirm Abuse Reportphyllis hamilton said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 10:00 PM#42, Thank you, we love Dale Jr. just the way he is. I think the sponsors want someone who has a good reputation to sell their product and that Jr. is the best at this .He has more fans than all the others and Jr. nation backs him by buying the products.If a driver wins 10 races but acts like a jackazz all the time then he is really just a loser.The drivers who care about helping kids are the real winners,this is what life is all about.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportScott Brennan said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 10:55 PMDan Marino was one of the greatest quarterbacks in history and never won a superbowl (only made it there once). Did the coaches, fans, etc ever give up on him? Not a chance. If Jr. never wins a cup championship that is not the final indicator of how great a driver he is. Sure he doesn't have the wins of a Jimmy Johnson or Jeff Gordon but in the hyper-competitive environment of cup racing if you are off by a tenth your toast. Jr. some races is off by half a tenth, some a quarter of a tenth, and I believe he does the best he can with what he has. I think he gets more out of an ill handling car than 95% of the other drivers out there. He has excellent car control but was bit last year with blown tires, bad pit road decisions by Eury Jr, and bad overall strategy at some races. Correct the errors in the pits and take out the blown tires he has 4-5 wins last year.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportteresa beachler said:
Jan 17, 2009 at 11:23 PMhe only has blown tires because he rides high on the track next to the fence and out of the groove. Another Michael Waltrip.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJim Bayliss said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:06 AMNumber 33, there are about 15 or so drivers today doing better. And that is where he is at, about a 15th place driver. But still a pretty good ol' boy. I certainly don't think he will do it this year, but who knows, the season hasn't even started yet. - - But some people just don't have it to be number one. Others do. He will settle out where he is supposed to be in the end. But whereever that is, he has certainly shown he can make the money off people who buy his stuff. And after all NASCAR is big business. So in that he sure is successful, eh?
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWorm Dirt said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:02 AMI'm sure no one wants to hear this, but could it ACTUALLY be that Junior's worst enemy is "Junior Nation" ITSELF???? Wait...DON'T FREAK OUT! Hear me out. I mean, being stubborn is certainly a desirable quality in a driver when it's BALANCED with OTHER qualities. But, this cat is taking it to new levels these days. Bottom line is that when you have this unnatural safety-net behind you that will apologize for every SINGLE mistake you make, at some point it turns into POISON. I mean, I've watched races where he's come in for left-side tires, but parked it too close to the wall to EVEN get the tires off.... AND I've seen him pass ten cars before the race has even started, but is there any sort of CONSEQUENCE??? Does any one have the nerve to say something? The short answer is..... NEVER!!!! There's always someone there to hold his hand and defer the criticism to a crew chief or some such. And how can that be productive? Does a diamond become a diamond on it's own, or are there some outside INFLUENCES involved?????? The crazy thing is that Junior is one of the best team-owners out there in terms of the way he runs his Busch team with an iron fist. What he needs is for someone....ANYONE...to do the same thing for him.
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» Confirm Abuse Report4da88 said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:26 AMQue Sera Sera.. and I will still love Jr. My opinion & your opinion? Who cares? They just don't matter. Go ahead and argue amongst yourselves, I am gonna have fun with or without ya.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJust me said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 4:45 AMTrying a little soft soap worm? Think your going to change Jr Nation with kindness, do ya? Almost as funny an when you try to kill them with your witisism. Not going to happen; and it "still" unnerves you. Why don't you just give up and accept it for what it is; or for whatever YOU think it is.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportGeorgia Ross said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 9:51 AM#5 Thanks for the excellent comments, Tim...I have said very similar words in the past on these posts...agree with you wholeheartedly!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner Boehmert said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 10:47 AMno doubt he's popular with the fans and helps sell merchandise and tickets...but...in these modern times, 10 years in the sport and no Championship?...the clock is winding down...there's a new generation of hungry drivers coming...if Rick said Jr needs to foucus more, Theresa said the same...interesting, maybe she knew Jr better than we the fans do.....Kenseth who started the same time Jr has 1 Championship...IF he gets another it's going to be a tuff battle...tick-tick-tick...game over...
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:44 PMOK, I'm confused. Who is Dave Norcross?
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» Confirm Abuse Reportangela conley said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 1:04 PMwho cares if jr works out or not...did stewart...did he win championships? Did Kenseth? Does 98% of the field? some of you guys are edwards freaks. Jr does not care about being on the cover of a magazine because of his body. If his name wasn't earnhardt you would care if he worked out or not. he's also not Sr nor does he pretend to be. He never raced like his dad and won't ever. Jr is not about that.
Report as AbuseI seem to recall that jr. ran in the top 2 for most of the first 26 races. Perhaps tony jr was trying too hard. He admitted that he was "trying some things" right before and during the chase. Misfortune caused by other drivers takes blame for some of the races and Tony jr can take the blame for some really bad pit calls when he was running up front. Jr fans know that Jr. wants to win and that desire burns though his veins every race. And Jr fans also know that he gets extremely frustrated when a great car at the beginning falls off at the end. That what you hear over the radio between the cousins is called FRUSTRATION! If there was no radio for everyone to hear, then it would be a different story for all of the naysayers. I was a sr fan and will always be a jr fan. He will win just as he did in the past. Instead of people worrying about whether he works out or not or that he parties or not, maybe they should think about Tony jr spending more time at the shop... you know, he should be more like more like chad who spends ALL of his time at the shop. Now there's a thought. I look forward to 09. Go Jr., all of us are with you 110%
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWorm Dirt said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 2:05 PM'Just Me' #53, Interesting that you would bring up the word "soap". As a member of Junior Nation I wasn't sure you knew that such a thing exists! KIDDING!.....I'm kidding!...sorry, I couldn't resist. I mean I haven't showered in 3 days myself. Look, I just want what's best for Junior. If that means pointing out the downside to having a fanatical following then so be it. I mean, it's not like we haven't seen this same tragedy play out before right?? Britney Spears, Michael jackson, Elvis Presley????? All the victims of overwhelming "popularity" right? From my scientific research, and in terms of the Elvis-timeline, I'd say Junior is just about reaching the "Fat Elvis" phase where the warning signs are getting more obvious and bizarre. BUT, it's NOT too late!!!!! YOU CAN STILL SAVE HIM! But, if you sit back and do nothing And he starts shooting holes in his TV set or gains 50 lbs and starts wearing sequined jumpsuits and doing karate kicks after each race, DON'T say I din't warn you!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMarilyn Fisher said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 2:37 PMI honestly believe Jr wants to race and has passion for it. We all expect way way way too much all the time. If you were a Vickers fan (or any other driver that hasn't won in many weeks- or years) would you still support him???? Just enjoy the sport and the races each week and watch all of the drivers do their best. Cheer for your favorite and be glad they entertain us during the season. It isn't that Jr hasn't won at all in his past years on the track, we all just think he should be doing it every week and that is frustrating for us. Keep the faith and know he is very much interested in winning just as the others. All the different personalities are interesting to follow.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportDarlene Van Holland said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 3:31 PMWHY IS IT THAT MOST OF YOU WANT TO COMPARE JR TO HIS DAD. AS JR HAS SAID BEFORE HE WANTS TO BE HIS OWN MAN. I CAN'T BELIEVE ALL THE CRITIZING THAT ALL OF YOU PEOPLE HAVE FOR JR. WHAT ABOUT THAT EGOTISTICAL WHINER KYLE BUSCH, IF IT HADN'T WRECKED JR AT RACE LAST WHERE JR WAS ABOUT TO WIN AND KYLE WRECKS JR ON PURPOSE JUST SO HE COULD WIN. JR IS MY FAVORITE DRIVER ALWAYS HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE. CAN ANY OF YOU IMAGINE WHAT JR MUST HAVE FELT WHEN HIS FATHER WRECKED AND JR HAD TO COMPLETE THE RACE BEFORE HE COULD SEE HIS FATHER? HOW DO YOU THINK JR FEELS NOW THAT TERESA HAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED HIS FATHERS COMPANY WHICH FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND HE BUILT FOR HIS CHILDREN? WHY DON'T THE ONES OF YOU THAT AREN'T JR FANS GO TALK ABOUT YOUR DRIVERS AND LEAVE JR ALONE. ALL OF YOU THAT SAY JR WAS HANDED EVERYTHING ON A SILVER PLATE TAKE THE TIME TO READ ARTICLES ABOUT JRS LIFE OR BUY THE VIDEO ABOUT JR AND THEN MAYBE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND WHAT HIS LIFE HAS BEEN LIKE. I HAVE A LOT OF FAITH AND HOPE IN JR FOR THIS 2009 CUO RACES THAT HE WILL WIN MORE THAN A FEW RACES. GO JR GO.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportphyllis hamilton said:
Jan 18, 2009 at 7:13 PMI guess Mr Turner is saying after 10 years,if you haven't won a championship,you should get out of racing and lose all your fans. I bet he told Mark Martin this also.Oh his name is not Earnhardt and this only applies if you are Jr.The next time you write an article ,think,think,think.Jr nation is never going away, we are here forever...
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» Confirm Abuse ReportAnother Fan said:
Jan 19, 2009 at 9:31 AM#42
Report as AbuseYou say Dale Jr is a charitable guy with a heart of gold? I fail to see how his contribution does much to help hard working, blue collar people. Of all the business opportunities available in America, the party boy, Dale Jr opens a bar.
What a contrast, Jeff Gordon builds a hospital to save lives and strengthen families. Dale Jr opens a bar that encourages alcohol consumption, the most abused drug in America. Alcoholism destroys lives and families and drunk drivers have killed and maimed millions of people on our streets. Not sure how opening a bar and contributing to the destruction of the American family fits into your idea of how smart and caring Dale Jr is, but the Dude doesn't impress me.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMarilyn Fisher said:
Jan 19, 2009 at 3:12 PMWait a minute #62: The bar doesn't have anything to do with Jr's charitable work. I think they are two different things here. But wait a minute- doesn't Jeff have a line of wines he promotes??? Oh guess wine is a good thing???? Also doesn't Jeff have help with the donations to the hospital???? It certainly isn't ALL his doings!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTravis Meadows said:
Jan 19, 2009 at 7:28 PMgit-r-done junebug forget comments do your thing
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTravis Meadows said:
Jan 19, 2009 at 7:33 PMThey all talk but can they drive a car anywhere at 180 to 200 mph and hold it down without wrecking no so they dont have a clue to whats goin on do what you know jr.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportTravis Meadows said:
Jan 19, 2009 at 7:40 PMI give tony eury jr one more year with this great equipment its not new anymore put it to work now eury prove all is right with good stuff and give jr all he can drive to win and he wont yell at you at all this is your year or critics are going to bash you guys bad so do your thing Git-R-Done!!!!!!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMelanie Schooley said:
Jan 19, 2009 at 8:51 PMIt is the mass NASCAR press who needs to back off.
Report as AbuseRalph Dale Earnhardt III is neither his father nor his grandfather. He is a good driver in his own right.
Where and when was this type of pressure put on Kyle Petty? He also followed in his champion father and grandfather's tracks. He did win a modest number of races (8) in his lengthy career. Now it appears Kyle is stepping away from NASCAR without much fanfare.
Many drivers come into the Cup series, few even make 10 seasons in their entire careers. Very few have as many wins as Junior. So what if he never wins a Cup championship. He has won the Daytona 500, something that took Senior 20 years to accomplish.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJim Carpenter said:
Jan 20, 2009 at 6:04 AMIf Jr. was serious about winning, he would have let Rick Hendrick pick a crew chief for him. Rick's had pretty good luck in that department, while the "Jr. & Jr." show has been mediocre at best. BTW, to those of us out here that root for other drivers, a VERY common sentiment is "I don't have a problem with Jr., it's his FANS that wear me out...."
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRobert MILLER said:
Jan 20, 2009 at 8:54 AMBottum line for JR is tell the crew chief what the car is doing and STOP second guess all of what he (the crew chief) want's to do to fix the problem.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRobert MILLER said:
Jan 20, 2009 at 8:58 AMBottum line for JR is tell the crew chief what the car is doing and STOP second guess all of what he (the crew chief) want's to do to fix the problem.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportRobert MILLER said:
Jan 20, 2009 at 9:06 AMRita JR DIDNT WIN A RACE LAST YEAR Nascar gave him one. I mean come on the track was clear when Nascar threw the caution flag on the last lap of a green white checker finish at Michigan in june so there was no need for a caution flag
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWolverine Fan said:
Jan 20, 2009 at 2:22 PMDale is distracted. Before blame can be placed on anyone or anything, he must give 100%. He should stop/reduce partying, develop an exercise program, practice communication skills. These are listed by many as reasons why he was not successful in 2008. We know he is not willing to do this, because he is content with his results. No more is expected or demanded. To #25, Dale would prove to be a wounded aninmal unable to defend himself without his family. They are his crutch. He needs them. I do not think he could survive without them, not only in business/racing world but in day to day life, also.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportMike Pearson said:
Jan 20, 2009 at 6:18 PMBig Dave Norcross!
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» Confirm Abuse Reporteugene lawrence said:
Feb 16, 2009 at 10:28 PMDale Jr is an Opie Taylor looking want be
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» Confirm Abuse ReportDale said:
May 14, 2009 at 3:16 AMKind of doubt any of you will refer back to this post. It is so funny to see all of these pre-season posts and see how Jr's season is turning out. Repeated Driver pit mistakes (missing the pit, speeding penalties, etc). Jr. has no one to blame but himself. I also take issue with the second paragraph of the article. If Jr. happened to have a good year in 2009, it certainly doesn't make him one of the best. Not by a long shot.
Report as AbuseContrast Jr's SECOND year with the top team in NASCAR with Tony Stewart's FIRST year with his own team! Tony (& Ryan) are blowing Jr. away.
Face it Jr. Nation, your boy just doesn't have what you think he does. He was a very good Busch Series driver, unfortunately even with the best of equipment, he is not up to the task in the Cup series.
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