Rick Hendrick 'disappointed' in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Chase results

By Jared Turner - SceneDaily Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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Hendrick Motorsports' Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 12th in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings.

Geoff Burke
Getty Images for NASCAR

CONCORD, N.C. – Team owner Rick Hendrick says he is “disappointed” that driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t finish in the top 10 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings in his first season with Hendrick Motorsports.

Earnhardt Jr., who began the Chase For The Sprint Cup as the No. 4 seed in the 12-driver field, finished last among the championship-contending group after posting just three top-10s in NASCAR’s 10-race playoff.

He won’t be speaking at the season-ending awards banquet in New York City on Dec. 5 when the top 10 points finishers are honored.

“I’m disappointed. I felt like we were so good early on, and we just had tremendous little gremlins bite us here from tire problems to things that you just can’t control,” Hendrick said on Tuesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway following a luncheon honoring the Raybestos Rookie of the Year in each of NASCAR’s three national series. “All of those things that happened to him could have happened to Jimmie Johnson. He could be fifth in the points, and Jimmie could be third in the points. So racing luck has got a lot to do with it, but I think when we look back on the year and we look back at what he’s accomplished and how he’s fit into our organization and how happy he is and [crew chief] Tony [Eury Jr.] is, we’re going to go to work to make it better for next year. That’s the good news: there is next year.”

Earnhardt Jr., who joined the team this year after leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of 2007, opened the season with a win in the non-points-paying Budweiser Shootout at Daytona and posted 11 top-10 finishes in the first 15 points races, highlighted by a win at Michigan International Speedway in June. But following the victory at Michigan, Earnhardt Jr. recorded just five top-10s over the remaining 21 events and failed to find victory lane again.

“I think he learned a lot,” Hendrick said. “There’s no way you can put a team together in their first year and they be as good as the 48 team [of Johnson] because they’ve been together. That’s the chemistry that’s going to get better on Dale Jr.’s side as we roll into next year with a year under our belt. We’ll look at areas and things that we can improve in, and we know him better, our engineers know him better now, and we know what he needs and what he wants, and we’ll be working to make that better. This sport’s always about trying to improve in every area, so we’ve got some improving to do.”

Hendrick is hopeful that the addition of Mark Martin to the four-car organization can help Earnhardt Jr. and the entire Hendrick effort in 2009. Martin is taking over the No. 5 Chevrolet driven the past two seasons by Casey Mears, who is moving to Richard Childress Racing.

“I think Mark Martin being there is going to help us, going to help us a lot,” Hendrick said. “He is a really strong asset to any organization, and I think we’ll all huddle. We’ve actually been meeting some today and the rest of this week on looking at how we can be better, so that’s the plan. Hopefully, Junior will be. He might get his first championship next year. Who knows?”

Mentioned Drivers: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Comments

107 responses to "Rick Hendrick 'disappointed' in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Chase results". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Heather Goff said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 3:48 PM

    OMG!!!! What is that man thinking? Jr raced his heart out this year, sure he didn't do great in the point standings, so what. This was his first year with a new team. I personally thought he did an amazing job.

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  2. 2
    clem zahrobsky said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 4:20 PM

    rick needs to give Jr jimmy's crew chief and pit crew because Jr cousin does not have the smarts to run a cup team.

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  3. 3
    Jozef Colomy said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 4:28 PM

    "JR's" true colors are beginning to show...he's a mediocre driver and can't hide it anymore. Everyone gives him this mantle of entitlement, but results are what counts, not a name, and those are not favoring "JR".

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  4. 4
    suzie cobler said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 4:33 PM

    I think Dale Jr. will do extremly well in 2009 He just left his Dad company and went to a new company and he settal in now am sure the switch was hard for him I have notice a heck of a difference when things went wrong this year he has learned to not to be so mad at least on interview so I believe next year he will show you all

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  5. 5
    joe stornetta said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 4:35 PM

    Heather,I think Rick Hendricks expects more than 12th.Good first season, but lets step it up a notch next year.I don't think you can question Mr. Hendricks.He has apretty good track record.

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  6. 6
    S. Tarquinio said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 4:39 PM

    Sorry, but Jr. will never win a championship with Eury on the pit box. As soon as someone in higher up in the Hendrick organization realizes that, championships will come.

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  7. 7
    Lowell Fannin said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 4:44 PM

    Dale Jr is just an average driver that even superb equipment can't help. He doesn't even know how to relate to Tony Eury about what adjustments to make. He might could have been better if his dad had lived and worked with him more. I believe he needs to separate from Eury and get with a crew chief that could help him more.

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  8. 8
    Rex Hickey said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 4:54 PM

    Dale will be back stronger than ever next season. When I once collected football cards, I was offended by some of the cards being called 'commons' there is nothing common about a pro athlete.
    Same with Jr. he is not common, nor mediocre, he is just having a rough spot and should bounce back soon.

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  9. 9
    said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:11 PM

    I agree with Jozef Colomy. He isn't the best. He is my favorite anyway. It is great to see him win. The drivers today are techincal. Kurt Busch will say give me a round of this or that. Junior says I can't drive it! Tony Jr can handle Dale no one else would care to. I beleive that Junior knows more than he shows but isn't focused. Hendrick should not have sad he was dissappointed that is harsh. It was a good first year. (Rowdy is an exception to the norm.) Instead of dissappointment try encouragement. Next year! all focus on
    Mark Martin in 2009.

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  10. 10
    Candace Wilcox said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:13 PM

    It takes a driver, AND a GREAT crew chief, to make a great race team. Tony Jr made some horrific calls this year. I was at Texas and listening on the scanner to the radio and Jr's channel, had already heard where others were going to fuel mileage at 30-35 laps, and Tony Jr waits until 23 laps to ask Jr to start conserving fuel?! COME ON!!! He needs Chad Knaus or someone as smart as him, I'm sorry!!! and THEN he'll be a champion!!!!

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  11. 11
    Werner Boehmert said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:22 PM

    i'll bet Hendrick is happy with the mercandise sales...let's see...Johnson...6 years, 40 wins...Jr...8 years, 18 wins...and don't blame DEI, cause they were the powerhouse Super Speedway dominator...

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  12. 12
    said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:23 PM

    I beleive Junior did better with Pops. I think he would listen better.

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  13. 13
    jal3fan said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:27 PM

    I think Rick Hendrick meant that he was disappointed for Junior and disappointed that he and the team could not give Junior a better finish. I don't think he meant that he was disappointed in Junior.

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  14. 14
    Kirk Grosch said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:30 PM

    Clem I want some of whatever it is you are taking dude. Send Chad over to Jr. after he just gave Hendricks a threepeat? In case you haven't heard, Jimmy & Chad are not done yet and fully intend to go for 4 in a row in 2009. Not sure what the off-season holds for Jr. & Tony but come February, Chad is going to be on the 48 box with Jimmy. The real question is regardless if it's Tony or someone else on the 88 box, will it really matter because I personally don't think Jr. has the "right stuff" like his teammates in the 24 & 48?

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  15. 15
    Arthur Trim said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:42 PM

    Read all of this stuff closely. Dale Jr. & Rick both got a lot out of the deal this year. They both are multimillionairs and both substantially increased their net worth with proceeds from the '08 season. The '09 season is less than 90 days away.
    Anybody that is unhappy should hitch their big boy bloomers,get over it and move on.

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  16. 16
    Bill Rogers said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 5:42 PM

    Kirk, in case you didn't notice the 88 did fairly well this year, about as well as Kyle Busch did in the same ride last year.
    The 88 did seem to put together better finishes than the 24. And he has 2 Busch championships, 18 cup wins and whatever he did on short tracks before that....He has the right stuff. He might not be an engineer like Newman (not that that helped Ryan any), but he has the heart. Hopefully, next year he can get it done.
    Me, I love this sport and like him or hate him, JR winning a championship would be good for the health of the sport.

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  17. 17
    MARTIN said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:02 PM

    Junior was good with Pop's, Eury Jr is good but not with Dale Junior!!! Dale Jr needs someone with a different personality. BUT... if anyone can make it happen for both Juniors Mr. H can.

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  18. 18
    Bob Kuhn said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:09 PM

    Dale needs a real crew chief not a childhood friend and relative

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  19. 19
    Dave Shine said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:09 PM

    I believe none of us have the right to criticise or second guess Dale Jr or Tony Jr. We no nothing of what goes on behind the scene of any race team. Unless your on one, which most of us are not, it would be better just to sit back and let them handle it. If your a fan of Dale Jr, which I am,you have to take the good with the bad regardless of the outcome. Everybody has so much to say, than if you are all so good lets see you get out there and see what you can do.if you think you can do better than get off the couch and start your own team. Hey,championships don't make the man. Everybody praises Mark Martin for being such a great driver and how many championships has he won, and how long has he been at it. Chill out, give Dale Jr and Tony Jr.a break. No matter how they finsh if your a true fan just support them. As long as those guys are happy I don't think they care what any of us think.

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  20. 20
    Scott Sanford said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:11 PM

    Does anyone take the time to actually read the article? He says he's disappointed but he's not blaming Junior Heather. Junior certainly had a mediocre season but he's hardly a mediocre driver. He made the chase and a whole lot didn't. For a long time he was near the top of the chase but some bad luck killed him. Is KB also a mediocre driver? What about Jeff Gordon, he didn't win once? Calling Junior mediocre shows bias or envy, not accuracy. By the way, I'm a Biffle fan.

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  21. 21
    Dennis Harcourt said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:15 PM

    Bill, the ride Jr. was in this year was not Kyle's ride from last year. Mears moved into Kyle's ride and Jr basically took over Mears ride. Other than that i totally agree with you that if Jr could win a championship it would be great for Nascar. Just cant see it happening as long as Eury is his chief and JJ is around.

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  22. 22
    Daniel P. Schulz said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:23 PM

    I agree w/Jal3fan about Hendrick & the disappointment issue. I don't know exactly what the problem is. Not making excuses, but there was some rotten luck that plagued Jr. this year. There was bad calls by Eury, left out too long for tires or fuel. Why does Jr. have to run up so close to the wall? I know he has always done it, but how many times did he hit the wall this year? Does he run up there because the car is not set up right. I don't see other Hendrick cars run like that. Part of me would like to see a crew chief change but that was tried @ DEI & didn't work. A good crew chief is very hard to find. I think right now there are just 2 to 3 maybe 3 to 4 really good crew chiefs in the business. The rest are mediocre. Look @ the mulitple race winners this year, there is where your chew chiefs are. I am disappointed also, but will always back Jr., just like I did his father during his lean years. Hell nobody liked Earnhardt Sr. until he stopped winning all the time.

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  23. 23
    Sharise Bell said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:24 PM

    I think Jr did very good this year.I will be his fan til he quits or I die first!I remember when he had other Crew Chiefs,and it was not a good time for him.I think they need Wilson back in the Car!And as far as DEI aka TEI where is she now?Losing Money!I am total Jr Nation and PROUD!Jr just had some bad luck in the Chase but he will SHINE in 2009!

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  24. 24
    David Williams said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:30 PM

    So Mark Martin is attending meetings, but Jr is not? That should tell you something

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  25. 25
    Harry Grove said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:33 PM

    H. A. Grove
    I think Dale Jr should get another Crew Chief. They never have it all together for the whole race. Championships don,t come to a team that cannot keep up with the Tracks to the finish. Thank you

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  26. 26
    Gary Rehberg said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:44 PM

    If Rick wants Jr to do better next year, get rid of Tony Eury, Jr. Period!!

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  27. 27
    Donna Higgs said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:46 PM

    Dave Shine i couldn't agree with you more.

    Everyone has something to say but none of them know anything about what goes on behind the scene. I will be Junior's fan no matter what happens. I have been his fan since the Bush series and will continue. I get really tired of reading the junk that people right on here. If you are not a junior fan that is ok, but stop trashing him. We dont want to read about it. Some of the same people who bash Jr, also bash other drivers. So are you a fan of NASCAR or do you just like to start trouble where ever you go? Enough ink wasted on the bashers.

    Junior will be back in 2009 and he will drive his heart out like he does every week. I look forward to the new season and watching ALL the drivers race.

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  28. 28
    Nelda Quier said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:46 PM

    David,
    Where did you get that, "Mark Martin is attending meetings, but Jr is not?" That's not what Rick said. I agree, Rick was not stating he was disappointed in Jr., just his bad luck. Jr-bashers, please leave the room. Your distorted opinions are showing. And you are getting on my last nerve!

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  29. 29
    Scott Sanford said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:47 PM

    “I think Mark Martin being there is going to help us, going to help us a lot,” Hendrick said. “He is a really strong asset to any organization, and I think we’ll all huddle. We’ve actually been meeting some today and the rest of this week on looking at how we can be better, so that’s the plan. Hopefully, Junior will be. He might get his first championship next year. Who knows?”
    How can you read this statement and draw the conclusion that Junior is not attending meetings with everyone else? Jesus......

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  30. 30
    Donna Higgs said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:48 PM

    Dave Shine i couldn't agree with you more.

    Everyone has something to say but none of them know anything about what goes on behind the scene. I will be Junior's fan no matter what happens. I have been his fan since the Bush series and will continue. I get really tired of reading the junk that people right on here. If you are not a junior fan that is ok, but stop trashing him. We dont want to read about it. Some of the same people who bash Jr, also bash other drivers. So are you a fan of NASCAR or do you just like to start trouble where ever you go? Enough ink wasted on the bashers.

    Junior will be back in 2009 and he will drive his heart out like he does every week. I look forward to the new season and watching ALL the drivers race.

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  31. 31
    Scott Sanford said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:48 PM

    Well said Nelda.......

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  32. 32
    Deanna Goldberg said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 6:58 PM

    Nelda, I agree with you completely. Rick was not stating he was disappointed in Jr.,
    Everyone is taking it wrong as usual. And there will always be Jr Bashers. They are entitled to their opinion. Just as we are entitle to ours. I look forward to next year. I'm hoping they got out the kinks this year and we can win a championship next year. Congrats to Jimmy and his team. First Class group. And those who say Jr. can not drive, take a look at his stats before you open your mouth. You obviously don't know what you are talking about. Why don't you educate yourself before you open your big mouth. Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Thanks Giving. God Bless and take care.

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  33. 33
    Kenneth Farley said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:10 PM

    Jozef, go away and pick on someone else. I'd like to see you drive as good as Jr. Everyone is always holding Sr's. candle up to Jr., and that's not fair. Hendrick in no way said he was dissatisfied with Jr's. performance. He said it could have just as easily been Jimmie in that position. So please read the article like a lot of people already said. Before you start throwing stones, check what your house is made of, make sure it's not glass.

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  34. 34
    debra bates said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:42 PM

    i think jr is going to do better next year if not got to get rid of tony jr

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  35. 35
    marian mcclain said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:42 PM

    How many races did Jeff win this year? What is so great about Mark? What is him being at Hendrick supposed to do unless he wins races. He didn't do good at DEI or Ginn, and in the last days nothing much at Rousch. I like Mark but I don't think he is going to make a big difference. Junior is not as good as hie dad but he is good in other ways. I like Tony Jr but maybe he does need a new crew chief. Rick will work everything out.

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  36. 36
    Werner Boehmert said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:45 PM

    didn't Jr say it was no big deal not going to the banquet?...

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  37. 37
    Pat Schwald said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:50 PM

    Ok,Ok..I really think we as Jr. fans are disappointed that Jr. didnt make the top 10,he is better than that,but luck has a lot to do with win's along with car,team & driver. You could see in his fase he was upset that he droped to 12th,NOT HIS DOING.
    WHEN he wins his 7th Most Popular driver award look at his face then. That is our way of telling him how much we care. His Championship will come. His Dad won 6 of his 7 championship's after the age of 35. And it took Jimmy 5yr's before he got his first one with Rick. This is only his first year with Rick and he did make the chase. Be proud of what he did.

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  38. 38
    Larry Brooks said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:58 PM

    Until the number 88 team gets rid of Tony Eury, Jr., it will continue to be more of the same. Get used to it. Eury is totally lost when it comes to setting up a race car and his blunder at Watkins Glen proves he doesn't know good strategy either. If they don't get rid of Eury, I'm switching drivers. I'm tired of pulling for a driver who has no chance to win anymore.

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  39. 39
    Marybeth Wallick said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 7:59 PM

    Hello,
    In the 'Old Points', the ones that grade the whole year not just the last third, Jimmie finished 2nd, Jr. 6th, and Jeff 8th. We have learned to expect entertainment not intelligence from Jimmy Spencer.
    After the '05, instead of giving Jr. a seasoned veteran crew chief, he was given Steve Hmiel, who readily admitted he wasn't a trained professional crew chief. They still got a win at Chicago.
    After Jack separated Carl & Bob, who had been winning, neither of them were winning. So he put them back together and they started winning again.
    Since Jr. separated from Pops, who he won 2 championships in Busch with and 15 wins in Cup, 6 in '04, Jr. has had 3 wins in 4 years. I am sure Jr. is smart enough to understand what is going on, but for some reason this is the way he wants. Winning and championships are not what is most important to him. I'm sure that he realizes that he is throwing away what should be the most productive, putting up the numbers, years of his racing career. I am sure he has even asked himself if this is the way he would be doing if his Dad was still here.
    Mark Martin said that when he was thinking over his offer to run for Rick, he asked himself, down the road, would he look back and regret passing up the greatest opportunity of his life, to get a great chance for a last try for a championship.
    I am sure Junior has asked himself the same thing and understands the consequences of his present decisions. I am sure that no one knows better than him that his car is set-up as good as the best for the start of a race and runs up front, but that the adjustments to finish strong are not there...and for a reason only he and maybe Rick knows and understands, that is the way he wants it.
    As others have said, I will remain his fan and support his wishes. :)
    Marybeth

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  40. 40
    Raymond Clark said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:04 PM

    Jr needs to stop complaining and learn how to drive a bad handling car until his crew can make the needed adjustments

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  41. 41
    Mark Brothers said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:08 PM

    I agree with some of you in regards to Tony Jr. as crew chief. If things were equal, HMS would have similar results minus unforseen issues. Maybe pit crew members should be moved around.

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  42. 42
    Carol Hohman said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:22 PM

    after mark martin retires make him crew chif for Jr Mark knows how to set up a car and knows how to drive it and knows the driver lingo and I think he would be a setteling influnence for jr GO JR in 09!!!!!

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  43. 43
    Carol Grigsby said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:26 PM

    As most of you have stated, I will always b is Dale Jr. Fan. However, I do believe that Jr. is too close to Tony Jr. JR needs a more assertive crew chief. Family is family, but it is time to put Tony Jr. to pasture; be family. JR should get someone like Knaus, focus on winning and making sure that JR.'s car is right in every way. GO Dale Jr. 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  44. 44
    Grover rickman said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:34 PM

    it kind of funny all these people say Dale Jr. is just an average driver BUT if you all notice he is always in the top third of the best stockcar drivers in the world!! Yes I think he needs a differant relationship with his cousin Tony Jr. But all race fans think he should win every race he is in, not going to happen. If you don't like him don't waste your time putting him down, He is a above average Race driver just Live with it!!!!

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  45. 45
    Sandy Bliss said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:42 PM

    The biggest obstacle for Dale Jr. is his
    cousin/crew chief. At Homestead when Jr.
    had to ask his crew chief to let him know next time in the pit how many tires they were putting on...that was merely confirmation of how poorly Eury communicates with Dale. Dales deserves
    better.

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  46. 46
    Steven Steinberg said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:46 PM

    The story is a bit deceiving since it isn't really about Rick blaming Jr. or his crew, he's simply commenting on the fact that they "all" learned a great deal this year and nothing more could be expected, even though he had hoped that Jr. would be at the banquet by being in the top 10.

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  47. 47
    Shirley Gray said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 8:51 PM

    Jr. had bad luck this year and in my opinion, it wasn't the way he drove, it was what he had to drive. I can't point fingers as to whose fault it was but I know that it took one hell of a man to continue the sport he loves that took his father's life and to try to live up to his dad's expectations. I admire Dale for the person he is, a gentlemen at that, and I'll be there cheering him on in 2009.

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  48. 48
    Patsi Wilbanks said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 9:50 PM

    The newsprint media always distorts everything...I don't believe anything I read any more. i didn't hear Heandricks did any of you actually hear what the man had to say? What's so great about any of the other drivers including JJ....it's not just the driving....crew and equipment is alot of the equation. Fire Eury jr. for his awful mistakes and get someone smarter and then the equation just might come together for next year!!

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  49. 49
    Roy Corbitt said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 10:06 PM

    Dale Earnhardt,Sr. was my hero and i will never get over his death. The only reason Dale, Jr. is always picked as the most popular driver is because he is Dale, Sr.`s son, period ! When Jr. went to Hendrick Motor Sports it broke my heart and i know Dale, Sr. turned over in his grave in shame.
    Hendrick is a convicted felon and still crooked as he--. Jr. will never win a champsionship. Put that in your little black book and remember where you read it on 11/18/2008.

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  50. 50
    Sunday Money said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 10:25 PM

    Rick is a smart man. He knows what he is doing. I am proud of Dale Jr. for stepping out on his own w/someone else. It was a shame something wasn't confirmed before the death of his dad. Go Dale Jr.!!!!!!

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  51. 51
    Callaway said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 10:28 PM

    Oh give it a rest Roy, time to turn the page and get on with your life for crying out loud. Family matters break your heart not a driver switching teams it's all about the business of making money. As far as being a convicted felon I believe if you check Rick Hendrick as well as Junior Johnson have both been pardoned so that's a mute point.

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  52. 52
    Bobbie 88 said:
    Nov 18, 2008 at 11:01 PM

    Mr Corbit please speak for yourself. I wasn't a racing fan when Dale Earnhardt was alive yet I continue to vote for him in the MPD. This doesnt mean I havent read a ton on his father both as a driver and a man. I think he'd be proud of his son not only for the decision he made last year but for the man he is today. He'd be proud of all his children. For Kerry being there at Jr's last race for DEI...for Kelley and Jr running JRM and for the time Kelley, Jr, and Taylor spend together... Despite what's happened in their lives they are still family.

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  53. 53
    Roy Corbitt said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 12:02 AM

    To Callaway and Bobbie, i am a Criminal and Fugitive Investigator and i know a lot about Mr. Rick Hendrick that the public has never heard about. First off he was convicted on one (1) count of fraud even though he was charged with 74 counts by the Feds and was sentenced to one year of home detention after three Doctors took the stand at his trial in 1992 and swore to God with their hand on a Bible that Hendrick had less than two (2) years to live because of cancer. Guess what ?? After he served his one year of home detention a miracle happened and he no longer had cancer. When the news media found out they asked the Federal prosecutor what he thought and he said quote; we were duped. After Hendrick served his time he donated $250.000.00 to a favorite charity of Bill Clinton and the crook Clinton gave him a pardon. The reason Hendrick Motor Sports is so successful is that Hendrick made billions of dollars during his criminal background of fraud and all his success has come from tainted monies. All this information came from the Charlotte, NC newspaper and offical court records. Also just for the heck of it use your computer and type in the words "Billy Crump" and you decide who may have had him assassinated ? JUST DO IT !

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  54. 54
    Roy Corbitt said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 12:18 AM

    Also i forgot to mention but Dale, Sr. told several very close friends that he thought NASCAR should have kicked Rick Hendrick out of NASCAR because of his conviction but like he said; money talks and the quilty walk !

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  55. 55
    said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 1:08 AM

    this is for mr know it all the guy that thinks he knows every thing about the earnhardt family sorry to say we all know you know nothing just in case you don't know who i'm talking about i guess i'll have to spell it out for you (jozzzzef colon colomy)i thought i had told you to go play with your match box cars and barbie and ken and leave the comments to the people that really know the earnhardt situation and also the million or so fans that really don't want to here what you have to say so why don't you do your self a favor and get off jr's page really stay away

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  56. 56
    Carol Hohman said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 7:22 AM

    ok if we all are on this felon kick NASCAE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED period as it was made on MOONSHINING so we are all favoring a sport that is a felony so Roy and all the others throwing stones at Rick or anyone else if you like Nascar at all your in crime from way back when period!!! lol and in the good book the Bible you are to be forgiving and the only one Rick has to answer to is God not anyone of us down here GO JR and have a great 2009!!!!

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  57. 57
    Brad Sargent said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 7:49 AM

    Lets face facts folks, Jr is just what it stands for and that's all he will ever be. A want to be. I hope next year he doesn't make it in the top 35.

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  58. 58
    mary lou munn said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 8:42 AM

    Hendricks organization, here goes--- 2009 domination--- They've got Jeff, Jimmie, Jr. and Mark--- come on they'll dominate with wisdom, great driving, former champions, future champions and they will finish 1,2,3,4, and if you're a junior fan he'll be # 1 Can't wait til Daytona

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  59. 59
    Colleen Strickler said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 9:32 AM

    Jr has to get over the Mr. Nice guy attitude and get the intimadator working. Look at Mark Martin, being good and nice on the track got him nothing. Jr needs to get down and dirty with the Bushes, Stewarts and Edwards. Even Johnson and Gordon have used the chrome horn, so Jr. get with the program.

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  60. 60
    Colleen Strickler said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 9:32 AM

    Jr has to get over the Mr. Nice guy attitude and get the intimadator working. Look at Mark Martin, being good and nice on the track got him nothing. Jr needs to get down and dirty with the Bushes, Stewarts and Edwards. Even Johnson and Gordon have used the chrome horn, so Jr. get with the program.

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  61. 61
    Carolyn Snow said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 9:38 AM

    i cant believe rick said that about dale jr
    years ago when jeff won he said the same thing about jimmy in his earlier years, right now he's just THE it boy toy. wait until next year dale jrs time of winning a championship is coming , he will prevail like his dad did , patience is a vertue my friends and GOOD things come to those who wait! go dale

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  62. 62
    sally whan said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 9:44 AM

    EVERYONE HAS TO MOUTH OFF BOUT JR AND RICK THEY DID A GREAT YEAR AND NEXT YEAR WILL EVEN BE BETTER FOR THEM,,,HE HAD A NEW CAR AND ALL NEW CREW BUT TONY JR,YES HE NEEDS TONY JR GONE AND SOMEONE NEW,LETS TRY TO MOVE THEM AROUND A LITTLE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS RICK IS A SMART MAN AND SHOULD KNOW HOW TO DO THAT AND LET SEE IF HE DOES OR IF HE DONT REALLY CARE AS LONG AS ONE OF THEM WIN...AND YOU ALL KNOW THAT CHAD IS THE BEST CHEATER IN THE BUSINESS AND KNOWS HOW TO DO IT AND GETS BY WITH IT...SO LETS SEE HOW ALL GOES AND I HOPE JR WINS NEXT YEAR AND NO MATTER WHAT I WILL ALWAYS BE HIS FAN AND HE IS ONE HELL OF A GUY ON AND OFF THE AND DOES CARE BOUT WHAT THE PEOPLE THINK OF HIM...DONT WORRY JR JUST DO YOUR THING AND HAVE A GREAT TIME OFF AND REST AND HAVE FUN FUN...WE LOVE YA.

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  63. 63
    Janet Lyle said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 9:58 AM

    No one mentioned anything about the part in the article where Rick says"Theres no way you can put a team together in their first year and they be as good as the 48 team [of Johnson]because they've been together." Now correct me if I'm wrong,haven't JR and Tony been together for awhile? YES.So it's no excuse to use that as a reason.That's why I agree with those that say get rid of Tony.But it might be in a contract and JR got his way and keeps him as long as he wants.There have been ALOT of crew chief switching on other teams but never with JR. Just my opinion. I'm probably wrong,but did they at one time switch Gordan's c.c.for a short time or maybe that was a penalty?

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  64. 64
    Robert MILLER said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 11:01 AM

    I agree with JOZEF COLOMY after all nascar had to throw a bogus caution flag on the white flag lap at Michgan when the track was clear when they came around to get the checkerd flag to make sure their golden boy did'nt go winless this year

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  65. 65
    Robert MILLER said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 11:14 AM

    To add to JANET LYLE'S comment when JR was with DEI they switched crews with Michael Waltrip and JR would'nt listen to the crew chief and would change everything he would say he was going to do to fix the problem with the car

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  66. 66
    Samantha Igleheart said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 11:46 AM

    I am honestly not that worried about how he finished out in the points!! He wasn't that excited about going to New York, so I don't think he was all that worried when something went wrong with his car. I don't think it bothered him all that much. I still have hopes for him. I have a strong feeling he will still get most popular driver this year too. And I think he will get more wins next year. People have to give him a break, it was his first year with HMS, you can't expect everything to go exactly perfect!!

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  67. 67
    Tony Garces Jr. said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 12:36 PM

    The truth is out, You give a driver the best equipment and he will only do what he is really made of. He didn't win the race running under full speed, NASCAR ran too many laps under caution.

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  68. 68
    just me said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 6:05 PM

    Larry #38, I think KB is calling you, he could use another fan; Jr won't even miss ya...

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  69. 69
    John Henry said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 6:43 PM

    jr.wait till next year, we here this every year.Face it fans, stop thinking with your emotions.Average driver, average results.

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  70. 70
    Freddie Zippy said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 7:34 PM

    Junior said this was the year to prove what he could do now that he was going to be in the best equipment. Well, the results were only slightly better, 12th place versus 16th place last year in inferior equipment. I guess evil Teresa must have cast those gremlins on him.

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  71. 71
    Freddie Zippy said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 7:43 PM

    Another thing, I don't think Junior would win a championship with Knaus as his crew chief because he is not as good as Jimmie at staying calm and providing good info on the car. But I do think he would do better. If you have the best crew chief, you still might not get the best results if you don't provide the right information on which to make the decisions.

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  72. 72
    C M said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 7:53 PM

    I am proud of JR but this makes me very disappointed in Hendricks!

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  73. 73
    Tracy McKay said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 8:07 PM

    Wow! That's a record...68 posts before someone brought Kyle Busch into the argument.

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  74. 74
    Todd Priest said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 9:02 PM

    For those of you who are making excuses(still)for Junior and his last place finish in the chase,keep in mind that sure,he was in his first year with a new team but so was Kyle Busch.Nuf said.If you would like to discuss this further,please do join me at:http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/NoBarNascar/

    I am sure the link will not work so copy and paste in to your browser.

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  75. 75
    Tracy McKay said:
    Nov 19, 2008 at 10:33 PM

    Another point...Winning The Most Popular Driver Award does not mean you are the best driver. I'm sure if you ask the Miss Congeniality winner at the Miss America contest they would tell you they would have rather won the title!

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  76. 76
    Robert Wingert said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 9:04 AM

    Hey Roy Corbitt show us the proof. Should be public records, but I can't fine them. If you gave out false information I hope Hendrick takes you to court.

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  77. 77
    Robert Wingert said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 9:05 AM

    Jozef Colomy take a vacation with your toy car.

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  78. 78
    Jacki Stevens said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 9:44 AM

    I quit reading the after about 4 of them. Did any of you read what Rick actually SAID??
    He made mention of the fact that gremlins got Jr this year, and it could easily have been Jr sitting higher up in points; I can think of at least 2 races that would have been his, but for the 18 car; and the 99 car. One race early in the season a wet track was the guilty party.
    We forget the the goals set out for the 88 team at the beginning of the season WERE REACHED. We all wanted and expected much more from them, sure. Before we make any hasty conclusions about "Jr's mediocrocy" or "Rick needs to give Jr a break" ....lets see what next year brings.
    And for goodness sake.....LET'S NOT DO ANY CREW CHANGES!!!!! (did you forget the last one JR went thru? and the disaster that turned out to be?)
    Are we "fair-weather" JR fans, or are we in it for the long haul? Personally, I'm Jr's fan, win or lose, rain or shine.

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  79. 79
    Jacki Stevens said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 10:18 AM

    "Dale Earnhardt,Sr. was my hero and i will never get over his death. The only reason Dale, Jr. is always picked as the most popular driver is because he is Dale, Sr.`s son, period ! When Jr. went to Hendrick Motor Sports it broke my heart and i know Dale, Sr. turned over in his grave in shame. Hendrick is a convicted felon and still crooked as he--. Jr. will never win a champsionship. Put that in your little black book and remember where you read it on 11/18/2008."

    ROY ROY ROY. If Jr were like his ol' man, YOU would be the first one in line to say.."oh he's just copying his dad". Jr is NOT his dad, has NEVER claimed to be. I personally feel that Jr is a big man out there on the track, why? Because you NEVER here him bash any other driver, no matter what they have done; "Just racin" is his comment.
    On another note (I went back and started reading the rest of the comments!) I have said from early on this season, that Jr needs Tony SR back; he won w/him. And, yes, there have been some real questionable calls from the pit box that changed the complexion of the race for the 88 team, that is, in my humble opinion.
    No, we don't know what goes on behind the scenes, and NO I don't want to swap spots with any ONE of those people! I just see what I see, and apparantly others see the same thing.
    And for the JR bashers......here's an idea...why don't y'all start your own page and have the time of your life?

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  80. 80
    earl lewis said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 1:25 PM

    mr hendrick demands perfection. just look at jimmie johnson and jeff gordon/ terrl labonte also. they guys are proven heavyweights. jr sits in their shadows. i believe rick h will give him one more yr. i know jr signed a 5yr deal, but hendrick is not hurting for money. and 12 th place that is petiful! i give jr one more yr with hendricks, if that. he really does not fit in with jimmie or jeff anyway.

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  81. 81
    just me said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 6:47 PM

    Jacki why don't you tell us how you really feel. Good going!... I don't pay much attention to the ones that think we care what they have to say. I doubt we will hear from the Roys or the Earls when Jr turns his career around, and yes with Hendrick, whether it is written in 'their' little black books or not. No matter his fate, I will always be his fan.

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  82. 82
    Tim the Fan said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 7:16 PM

    Wow! Rick's disappointed, Jr's. disappointed,millions of Jr fans are disappointed, but hey, the rest of us new all along that Jr.s abilities are more hype that reality. Yes, yes, Jr. is a good driver, but he's not and will never be a great driver. I like Jr. he's a nice guy, but all his fans want him to be the resurection of his father, and that's not going to happen. Dale, like King Richard, were the Greats of their era, but neither would be as great today with NASCAR's rules for parity, and the number of talented drivers out there today.

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  83. 83
    Brent Chambers said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 8:01 PM

    Wow!!!!! JR.Nation, I am impressed! Amazing what a last name can do!!!

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  84. 84
    Tracy McKay said:
    Nov 20, 2008 at 9:29 PM

    I agree Brent...I'm fairly new to this site but this has got to be pretty close to a record # of posts isn't it? Let's see if we can hit 100!

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  85. 85
    kathy briggle said:
    Nov 21, 2008 at 12:27 AM

    hey allyou jr bashers why dont you leave him alone jeff gordon wants all that good this year, I aiways will be afan and have a great feeling he will win a champion his father had faith in his driving so lay off have faith junior love kathy

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  86. 86
    Todd Priest said:
    Nov 21, 2008 at 8:26 AM

    Jacki,you have no clue how Dale would have felt.I will inform you however that Dale and Rick were very tight and I would guess that dale would have been proud.Those two families go way back.Do some research.

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  87. 87
    beth emerson said:
    Nov 21, 2008 at 9:38 AM

    Listen all. Stop bashing Tony Jr. He is a good crew chief you all talk so highly of Chad well he is nascars biggest cheating crew chief.This is Jrs first year with hendrick watch what they do in 2009. If they gave the good cars to Jr the way they do Jimmy Jr may have been the champ.As far as Jr using his last name to get where he is you all should be ashamed for saying that. Jr is the nicest young man and he can drive a car.As far as Mark Martin he has not won a title in all the years he has been racing he never will the man needs to stay retired and leave room for the young guns.

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  88. 88
    Robin Pemberton said:
    Nov 21, 2008 at 10:22 AM

    Jr. didnt re-enter Homestead race so he would fall out of top 10 and not have to go to NY. He will be at his charlote club being drunk and stupid with his cousin and crew cheef.

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  89. 89
    anonymous said:
    Nov 22, 2008 at 9:05 AM

    Hey "robin", by the looks of your post, you will be at Whiskey River too!!

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  90. 90
    Fern Sunday said:
    Nov 22, 2008 at 10:04 AM

    I wish all you Jr. bashers would shut up. Unless you can drive a race car how would you know what it is like and stop blaming everything on his crew chief. Just wait until next year.

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  91. 91
    beth emerson said:
    Nov 22, 2008 at 2:43 PM

    Listen Robin Jr didnt go back out because even if he did he still would have been out of the top 10. You need to get a life what a stupid comment. For your information. I watched an interview with Jr. He said the day after that race he had to be with his sister. His family is everthing to him. The only one getting drunk is you also sounds like you are smokin something to. Get your facts straight before you say something stupid like you did. Go Jr nation

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  92. 92
    earl lewis said:
    Nov 22, 2008 at 3:50 PM

    that last name will only last so long. he done no better here , with hendrick, than he did with DEI. rick h is watching people. really close! jr better pick it up next yr, i have done heard next yr may be his last yr with hendricks! i wish the kid the best!

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  93. 93
    earl lewis said:
    Nov 22, 2008 at 3:54 PM

    jr will always be the third wheel at hendricks, he will always be a shadow in the dark behind , jimmie j and jeff g. thats reality, and it bites people, i know it does! jr said the pressure was unbearable at times, but he was coping the best he could! bless his little heart!

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  94. 94
    Kenneth Farley said:
    Nov 23, 2008 at 12:51 AM

    Ok, I don't think Rick Hendrick hired Dale to lose. He hired him to win, and every first season is a trial and error situation. Even though driver and crew chief have been together, they don't have the data on the cars. And you can't set up a car decently unless you have that prior data. Even though a lot of you think these cars are all the same. I beg to differ with you. They are all different in one way or another. And all those subtleties have to be documented and tested. So when they come to a track, they can pull up the data on the car and have a baseline. This year was a giveaway. The fact that he did so well in the beginning shows that Dale can drive, no question about that. This next season wlil show how good they can do with backup data. If they have a repeat season, I am sure Rick will make changes. Changes that Dale won't be responsible for, but will accept as a driver. Dale is not a third wheel, I think that Hendrick spreads the wealth pretty evenly, as racing orginisations go. But only time will tell.

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  95. 95
    Worm Dirt said:
    Nov 23, 2008 at 1:32 AM

    Don't forget the power of NUMBERS people.... Think about it man!!!!.... For the LONGEST time Junior was number 8.....but that wasn't good enough.....so he sought the number 88....... Stay with me......Now he is #88 and.....88 is two 8's.... that's 8 + 8 = 16..... when you are 16 you are able to drive.................. but why is it that Junior CAN'T drive? the power of numbers has failed!!! If your kids come home with bad grades in mathematics BLAME JUNIOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  96. 96
    anonymous said:
    Nov 23, 2008 at 8:04 AM

    Gee Wormy, only took you 95 posts to come up with that "brilliant deduction". Brain must have been working overtime. Couldn't you come up with anything better than that?? Must still be sucking on those sour grapes because earlier this year you were all about your boy Kyle Busch. YEOW!

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  97. 97
    Jeane Busby said:
    Nov 23, 2008 at 11:51 AM

    I was Dale SR fan and also Dale JR fan and I do agree that Dale Jr needs a new crew chief and only Rick H can make that decision. So hopefully he will.

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  98. 98
    patricia jordan said:
    Nov 24, 2008 at 5:43 AM

    hendrick dissappointed me in the lack of interest he took in jrs team when trouble falls most supporters rally around he spent most of the season on jeff gordons pit box..

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  99. 99
    Nascar-Addict said:
    Nov 24, 2008 at 7:32 PM

    HEY, the week before Homestead, the guy basically said 'if he wasn't the honoree, he wasn't interested (in being at the banquet).' Falling from 10th to 12th, he's got an extra week to himself, and worse of all, allowed Busch to go in his place! Man, he wouldn't have even have qualified for the 11th place mil that used to be.

    I agree Jr's performance let a lot to be desired! Anyone who rags on his crew chief relentlessly, and then not one adjustment can fix anything... one of them's got to be a moran! With the best equip available, I think the endurance problems laid solely with the driver, not the car! 2 "short" pre-season race wins, and by sheer luck, in the lead at MIS when the race was called prematurely. That could have very well been a Waltrip, Petty... who hadn't pitted yet. That win had nothing to do with strategy or skill! Plus, there were too many races with only a few laps left, where Jr went high and let everyone pass. Go figure!

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  100. 100
    Nascar-Addict said:
    Nov 24, 2008 at 7:38 PM

    In re to REPLY #2 above (switching JR and JJ crew chiefs), I wondered if that was to take place, any bets on who'd crack first... Chad or Jimmie?

    I say swap the Eury's! Then wait and see which #88 finishes higher in his respective series.

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  101. 101
    Richard Lilly said:
    Nov 25, 2008 at 10:53 AM

    Anyone of you supposed race fans that think JR is a "mediocre" driver can only be classified as true "haters". The man makes the move of a lifetime, starts the season in grand fashion at Daytona, stays in the top 5 all season, and makes the chase. The only problem his team has is a bunch of bad calls by Tony Jr. Mr. Hendrick is not disappointed in JR as a driver, he said, if you read the entire article, "those things could have happened to the 48 team too" It is just racing luck. And as for the Earnhardt name, I am still a die hard Sr. fan, and I still cry at the beginning of every Daytona 500, but I also know that JR is his own man and he has a lot of years in front of him. Respect the man for what he does and look at his attitude and approach to all you "haters" out there. I believe his smile says it all. To me it says thanks for the recognition. So to all you "haters" out there I say "HATE ON!" JUNIOR NATION ROCKS!!!!!!

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  102. 102
    Richard Lilly said:
    Nov 25, 2008 at 11:05 AM

    And one more small item.... FYI: Sr. didn't even race for his own team and he made atleast one move in his career before he started winning championships. So why, may I ask, would he be disappointed or upset about Jr's decision to move to HMS? Look at the headshed of DEI and ask yourself if you would want to drive or work for decision makers like that. Rick Hendrick was a driver before he was an owner. What was Max what's-his-name? Read your history books people.

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  103. 103
    Jeff Krings said:
    Nov 25, 2008 at 1:43 PM

    Jr needs to drive the car! I heard alot of whining about rattles and shakes yada yada....you have 750+ HP something is bound to shake! Just drive dangit!!

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  104. 104
    Leslie Lively said:
    Nov 26, 2008 at 6:02 PM

    I LOVED DALE SR.AND NOW I LOVE JR !!!!! AND I WANT TO SAY TO ALL THE JR HATERS GO TO HELL!!!

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  105. 105
    Jeane Busby said:
    Nov 27, 2008 at 12:57 PM

    If Rick Hindricks wants Dale Jr to win more races then give him a better "crew chief and a better car" then Dale Jr could show Rick H that he could win races****

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  106. 106
    Darlene Van Holland said:
    Dec 9, 2008 at 12:59 PM

    I want to know when Rick Hendricks said he was disappointed that Dale Jr. didn't make the Chase was he meaning that he was disappinted in Dale Jr. performance as a person or because of the problems with the car?

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  107. 107
    eugenio hernandez said:
    Dec 27, 2008 at 2:34 PM

    this year will be importan to jr because he needs to show people his real talent and he will he is to good of a drive hendrick will make it work for jr

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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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Dickies 500

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