57 Comments on Dale Jr Crew Chief Change

curtis newman on


Maybe, Rick should try putting Chad’s replacement chief in the 88 camp. I don’t know his name, but when Chad gets suspended the guy always keeps Johnson going and the team seems just as good and Johnson keeps on winning.

Curtis Newman

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RacingWin Reply:
May 26th, 2009 at 10:17 pm

Curtis, I think you are talking about Darian Grubb.

Darian is now Tony Stewart’s crew chief.

How do you think Tony is running now — especially compared to Dale Jr?

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luckey13 on


I was wondering when someone would wake up and smell the roses. JR. should have came to Hendrick’s stable with no baggage from DEI.
Then everyone would have seen what a great driver he really is. Not this crap we have been seeing lately. By Tony !!!

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curtis newman on


I think nascar has took so steps backward and it’s no wonder that attendance at the races and the t.v. audience is down.
#1 give the drivers a list of banned substances and if they fail a test give them the details.
#2 the fine hand down to Carl Long is not fair or consistent as to what others have been given.
#3 the violation and penalty should not vary for any of the drivers.
#4 I think that Larry McRenolds should stick to calling the race and forget his personal opions and the drivers and his team evaluation is a joke because he didn’t score each team accordingly.

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Amethyst on


Good, something has been wrong, very wrong and if it isn’t Dale then a new Crew Chief is what’s needed. I’ve only been watching as a fan for a year now and I remember back when he could make up spots like no one on that track. I think it’s sad and disappointing for Dale and with Tony being related makes it impossible for him to make a decision like that. I for one and glad Rick is stepping up. Good for him. It will be great having Dale back!

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YaiYai on


I’m not to sure that Rick Hendricks doesn’t silently own a part of Stewart=Haas. He supplies cars, engines. Darian Grubb and when Tony won his first cup race he was on the phone with Rick before he even climbed out of the car. I think he hired Dale Jr more for the marketing. I think it is really messing with Jr’s head with all the frustration. Why does Hendricks still have Tony Jr this long

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Ria on


Dale Jr is good, Tony Jr is good. Together they are not good! I also think both have to take some of the blame. I have seen Junior drive a hell of a race, it would be nice to see that again.

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kevin on


When Jr. gets rid of Tony,we can look for Santa Clause coming.I dont beleive either one will happen!

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BJ on


I think it’s about time. For some time we have all been saying that a new crew chief was needed. If Rick doesn’t get it done, hopefully the National Guard and Amp will see that it gets done. I feel bad for Tony, Jr. but Dale, Jr.’s job and reputation is at stake here. I couldn’t stand to see what happened on Sunday. I had to get up from the TV a couple of times. I’ll always be a Jr. fan and I think he needs someone who really cares.

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Marilyn on


I think Jr needs someone who cares also. I think he thought bringing Tony Jr over with him would help him adjust quicker to the new place and he would also have an ally in his camp that knew how he wanted his car set up. What has happened to Tony Jr? That is the Odd thing about this mess. Why does he suddenly draw blanks on how Jr wants his cars set up. It’s not like they have never raced on these same tracks for years. There is nothing new about the tracks, why can’t Tony Jr get the set up right ???? There seems to be something funny going on. Do any of you see it that way??

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Roger on


Yes they’ve raced on the same tracks for years, but not with the COT. I don’t think Tony Jr. has ever really gotten a handle on the new cars. He started out fair with them, while others were struggling. Others have now mastered it and he is still back at the beginning somewhere.

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John on


The Change should have happen 3 or 4 races ago. I don’t believe it’s all ones fault for all that has happened so far this season. Jr has made a few mistakes (pit road miss on pit stall for example) but the car setup for the same tracks should be about the same each time that track is visited. I believe Tony Jr is a good Crew Chief but He and Dale Jr just don’t see eye to eye on the changes or adjustments needed to make it better. I have been very disappointed with the last few races and see where Dale Jr has been running and falling back all the time. The over the wall Pit Crew has also made a few mistakes. Maybe with a new Crew Chief things will change and he will start running better like I know he can and has done in the past.

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Fae on


I believe that Dale Jr. can drive a car better than anyone of the 43 out there. He has had alot on his plate for the past 3 years and it finally caught up with him. The COT car is a big change and Mr. Hendrick wants everyone to have their day and I believe he will get an answer soon and I know Tony Jr. will wake up too. Its hard to sit back and love racing as much as I do eating that there are answers and they will come asap now after yesterday’s race. Just my two cents worth.LUVDALEJR88

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James Walters on


I have a funny feeling Jr. Motor sports is coming to the cup soon.Maybe Danica will drive the 88 soon.
Think about it!!!!
At this time Jr.’s mind is some where else.
Same as Tony Stuarts mind last yr.
The new DEI is coming!!!!

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mike on


Well I’m all for the change! But if a new Crew chief doesn’t improve his finishes, then we need to face the facts and realize Jr. is just another middle of the pack racer. I have heard Jr’s feedback on Hot Pass and it’s not as good as Johnsons or Gordons feedback. But It’s a fact that Tony Jr
dosesn’t have a handle on the COT. I believe that Jr may not want Eury to leave because he feels that only Eury knows what the hell Jr is saying about the set up. So It could be both their faults.

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harry kimmey on


RACING IS MARKETING BUSINESS, BIG BUSINESS. YOU AS A FAN BUY THE STUFF, COLLECT IT,SPEND A LOT OF MONEY AND A LOT SELL IT CHEAP LATER. I MYSELF HAVE SEVERAL CARS PLUS HAULERS,AND ABOOK OF JEFF GORDON. GOT A BIG BOYDS BEAR,JEFF GORDON. PAID THE PRICE FOR THE BEAR, ALL THE REST I HAVE VERY LITTLE MONEY IN. I COULD MAKE A LITTLE MONEY ON WHAT I HAVE. I WOULD SAY ANY FAN SHOULD DRIVE ONE OF THESE CARS, I DID AND I LOVED IT. WENT 33LAPS AT A AVERAGE OF 146 M.P.H. KY. MOTOR SPEEDWAY, A REALLY GREAT TRACK. I’M 65 AND I WOULD HAVE WENT FASTER BUT THEY HOLD YOU BACK FROM GOING TO FAST. I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT. SAFTEY FIRST.

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Tom on


I think a crew chief change would be the best thing for Jr. If you look back, some of the bad finishes were due to getting caught up in someone else’s mess. The majority of them, however, were due to getting screwed by p*ss poor calls from Tony Jr. Then, Dale Jr. goes out worse than what he was when he came in or loses some much time on the track from a bad handling car. I agree with the above that Tony Jr should have been out weeks ago.

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Diana on


I have been a Nascar fan for years and have seen a lot of changes. When Dale Sr. died things began to change a lot in Nascar. I think Nascar, they rule on who will win and who will lose. When it comes to Jr and I love him and he can race. I think he’s either being held back by Nascar or he is content with where he is at in racing. The drivers like Bill Elliott and Kenny Wallace,Kenny Schrader others I can’t think of race about the same place all the time. Why? It’s like with Jr. He races mediocre any more? Yes, give him a different crew chief and lets see if it helps. I pray to God it does. Hope I’ve made some sense. Thanks

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NANCY D on


IF THE CREW CHIEF IS REPLACED AND JUNIOR IS STILL A BAD DRIVER, WHO WILL THEN BE BLAMED. I THINK JUNIOR NATION SHOULD WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE. WHO IS TO BLAME FOR HIM NOT FINDING HIS PIT BOX???? WAKE UP PEOPLE AND REALIZE AT SOME POINT IT MUST BE HIM. RICK HENDRICK KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING AND ALL THE TEAMS HAVE SHARED THEIR SET-UPS. I HAVE READ….CHANGE CREW CHIEFS, IT IS THE SPOTTERS FAULT, IT IS THE PIT CREW’S FAULT. MAYBE HE SHOULD JUST BE A PARTY BOY FULL-TIME. WE KNOW HE IS A MASTER AT THAT.

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nascarman88 on


Seems to to me that hendricks is supplying Stewart Hass racing with all the right engine and chasis. Stewart and Ryan are always running up front all the time while Jr is wondering what is going on with his car. We will see what happens, if a change is made. I hope it is for the best and Jr starts winning again.

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LADYBLUE on


Hopefully this is true and not rumor. You have to start somewhere and the crew chief is a good beginning. We’ll see what happens. We all know what Junior can do.

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Paul on


I still think Jr. is not performing up to his ability, and yes I am a die hard Earnhardt fan and always will be but lets face it, a crew chief cannot miss a set up that many times, lets take a hard look at the driver.

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Edward J Rogers Jr on


It is about time thay did something about Dale Jr’s crew chief. Now Dale Jr will WIN SOME RACES GO DALE Jr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Pauline Fickes on


There is some thing wrong with the 88 car and it has to be with the crew chief, Jr. has proved himself.We have heard Jr. ask Tony how Jimmy’s car is running (they have close set ups,they like the same thing in a car) and Tony says good and Jr’s responce is hmmmmmmmmm what does that say.I think Jr should have been given the 5 car and the whole team. Jr’s car was the 25 car and they never did run very well. You go figure!!!

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Skip on


I hope the changes will help Jr. ,But I remember when he was driving for DEI and was not qualifing very well and Michael Waltrip was qualifing very well. The decision then was to flip crews and the results were less than spectular, it’s probably Theresa Earnhardt’s fault someway ! No I think all the fault lies behind the steering wheel,a crew chief can only make the changes that the driver requests!
But who knows it may work !

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Jerry on


From reading your resposes it would seem that Nascar should just hand Jr the checkered flag because he can do no wrong. I personally think the major reason Jr has a high profile ride is because of his name not his driving abilities. I hope him the best because I am a Hendricks fan, but I think we should quite putting all the blame on the crew chief.

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REGAN on


ITS ABOUT TIME !!!!!! BYE BYE TONY!!!!!!!

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Mavis Rideout on


This is after the fact but apparently they were testing this week and Jr had the slowest car. I know it would take time and might hurt the other drivers a bit but why didn’t they switch crew chiefs with the 48 or 24 or even the 5 and see if it made a difference. If that didn’t work switch drivers. If that didn’t work we might conclude it is the car. At least it would give them a better idea instead of just letting the crew chief go when it might not be his fault.

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Nancy on


Let’s start with the crew chief replacement & then some of the crew members will follow. Jr also needs to evaluate his own mental & physical performance. If there is a problem have Brad K. fill in the seat for a while. I will always support Jr but I am also concerned about him as a person. There is a lot of pressure on those shoulders. Listen to Rick H., he is a brillant businessman/race car owner. He knows all of the circumstances while we fans only see a small fraction of it. Go Jr.!

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Mama Donia on


Like DW said Monday, during the rain delay, Dale Jr. is one heck of a race car driver, he proved it Monday, the car was a monster and anyone else would have wrecked it several times. I think us fans are expecting too much from Jr. simply because of the name “Earnhardt”. He is not his father, he is his own person. Maybe they should change some of the people on the pit crew, but we have got to realize all race car drivers get into a slump sometimes, look at Jeff Gordon, how many races did he go and not win? I want to see Dale Jr. win as bad, or worse, than all of you but sometimes you just have to figure out what is wrong and I think Rick Hendrick is trying to do just thaT. REGARDLESS OF WHERE JR. FINISHES, WIN OR LOSE, I’M A JR. FAN AND WILL ALWAYS STICK WITH HIM. LOVE YA JR.!!!!!

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MCCOYSWOMAN on


why don’t you shut up you know nothing what can you do but run the mouth kb is who you probably are now get.

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Evie on


About time something should change and very soon. Tony Jr. is family and family members don’t pay the bills.Some family members has there hands out for handout’s all the time.

What time I did get to see the race, did see were Dale Jr. car was super hard to handled. I thought for sure he was going to hit the wall. Maybe luck will turn around in Dover.

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Donna on


I just hope things get better for Jr. the sooner the better ..so here’s to the #88 team and Jr. going forward and hopes it does some good ..all the best to Jr. and his whole team ..

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dennis on


ONY ONE THINK TO SAY,BRING BACK RAY FOR JR

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beau pustiak on


as much as i like the team the way it is i have to say its time.. its too late in the game to play games, get another.. then we can win….. family is family but this is business.. sorry jr but it has to be this way.. what do you think dad would say????

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janet on


I agree with you on this one, We all know that Jr can race jut as good as anyone or better,right now Rick Hendrick needs to get someone in there that will make a difference on how the 88 races, I for one cannot wait until we all see the 88 up front and then maybe jr can give busch a run for his money. Please Mr
Hendrick give Jr a crew chief that cares.

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Joe on


I was always a DALE EARNHARDT fan, and, by extension, after Dale’s untimely passing, a ‘Jr.’ fan!

With all this discussion, I have to wonder, and it will never be answered in this life, What would Dale have done?

I think Rick should get together with Richard, who knew Dale best, and try to get into Dale’s mind (in spirit), and ask themselves, ‘What would Dale do?’

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Randy King on


By John on May 26, 2009 | Reply

The Change should have happen 3 or 4 races ago. I don’t believe it’s all ones fault for all that has happened so far this season. Jr has made a few mistakes (pit road miss on pit stall for example) but the car setup for the same tracks should be about the same each time that track is visited. I believe Tony Jr is a good Crew Chief but He and Dale Jr just don’t see eye to eye on the changes or adjustments needed to make it better. I have been very disappointed with the last few races and see where Dale Jr has been running and falling back all the time. The over the wall Pit Crew has also made a few mistakes. Maybe with a new Crew Chief things will change and he will start running better like I know he can and has done in the past.

——————
you’re right, hendrick doesn’t care or something would of been done already..

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JAY RAY on


Iam a big fan of Dale Jr. and cant stand to see him not win week after week I do believe a change in Crew Chiefs would make a difference
Rick should evaluate the rest of the pit crew
while he is at it. Would like nothing better
then to see Jr. up front and winning like we
all know he can.

GO DALE JR.

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Randy King on


By Diana on May 27, 2009 | Reply

I have been a Nascar fan for years and have seen a lot of changes. When Dale Sr. died things began to change a lot in Nascar. I think Nascar, they rule on who will win and who will lose. When it comes to Jr and I love him and he can race. I think he’s either being held back by Nascar or he is content with where he is at in racing. The drivers like Bill Elliott and Kenny Wallace,Kenny Schrader others I can’t think of race about the same place all the time. Why? It’s like with Jr. He races mediocre any more? Yes, give him a different crew chief and lets see if it helps. I pray to God it does. Hope I’ve made some sense. Thanks

—————–
NASCAR died when Dale Sr. died… Now we have NASCOT… (Toyota and the COT killed NASCAR).

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wm berkeley on


what he needs to change is the DRIVER one that can comunicate with tony and tell him whats going on with the car that would help a lot

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mike on


It is so obvious that there is a lack of professionalism in the Jr. camp. You look at the 48 24 and 5 camps and they have a look of professionalism with them and how they act. I also think that maybe the jrs would learn a little more about the COT if the tried to qualify better. Its a known fact that the 88 team doesn’t put too much into qualifying set ups.

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L.West on


It’s about time! Why did it take so long? Jr, needs a shot in the arm, he can drive if some one will set that car up the way it should be. Also, all you doubting thomas get off his back. He IS NOT HIS FATHER, he is himself let him show you before you shout.Do any of you know the 12 steps of greiving??? It does take time to get over the pain and it doesn’t come in ONE year, “GO JR.”

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Thelma on


I would really like to see Dale Jr. run up front again/ I don;t know what the problem, but it seems like every time he gets up front or in the lead and goes in the pits he comes out way back in the pit. now something is going on in the pits. He doesnt have to park get out and do the work of Tony and the pit crew. That is their responsibility, His is to DRIVE. He can do that just fine. Give him some people who care and he will be back up front,

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tcbpat88 on


I agree & I will always be a Jr fans. BUT would love to see him WIN and get a few poles. Im tired of all the junk I have to listen to at work. One guy had a good idea, set up Johnsons car and let Jr. take it out on the track (Jimmy said a while back that him and Jr liked the same set ups in there cars) see how Jr. drivers that car and how he does. That might stop all the bull about Jr when he kicks butt. If he cant do it then there might be something going on with Jr.beside crew chief & team. He just doesnt act happy & he doesnt have that fire he always had. Maybe his personal life. Only he knows. All I know is he can DRIVE a car. Know all he has to do is want to!

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Marilynn on


Iknow Dale doesn’t want to lose Tony Jr., but I think it is time for a change, try something new. I think Tony is a good crew chief, but maybe just a little to close to Dale for it to work. I agree with Curtis about Larry Mac. Stick to announcing the race and leave your personal views out of it. He is obviously anit-Dale, along with DW. I am so tired of hearing about “his boy” (Kyle)! I thought DW was supposed to be an Earnhardt family friend? Guess only if they are on top — isn’t that called a “fair weather friend”? As much as I hate all the anti Dale remarks from the FOX crew, their coverage is usually better than the other stations coverage. Just do me a favor and do away with the Digger cartoons and do more driver interviews, and not just with Kyle, Jimmie, Jeff and the other top drivers.

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Amp88Dew on


Friend are one thing! RACING is another.They have been friends for a long time.Keep that at home for the bbq’s.I would love to see JR have a crew chief like Chad. someone who wants to win a race not just make the grid!!!! JR deserves better.He is a great driver..

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Ron on


Johnson can drive,Jr. can’t.Hendrick need to get someone who will drive,not sell blue jeans and drinks

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charlotte on


dale jr. is a good driver! and tony jr. is a good crew chief! jr won when he was at dei…remember? he was good. but these new carsand set ups are different. they just can’t get it right. but they will.hopefully before the year is out.i’m sure jr is driving his heart out! please lets all support him! or at least his fans! i sure want let the guy down.i say..go dale jr!!!!!! we love you. alway’s a jr fan.

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charlotte on


you should not talk about her like that! that’s not nice. what she say’s is the truth! let her speak the truth. and maybe you should s-h-u-t…u-p!!!!!! a jr fan to

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meme on


The time has come for jr to have a crew chief that can help get the car and jr up to speed. Mr Hendrick, please make that change.

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Max on


reply to NANCY D
MAYBE HE SHOULD JUST BE A PARTY BOY FULL-TIME. WE KNOW HE IS A MASTER AT THAT???
And how do you know this??? Jr. used to party a lot, true. But when he lost his Dad he pretty much settled down. As for him missing his pit, with all the signs waving, could you find your pit, watching your speed so as not to get penalized??? The crew chief should count him down, as most CCs do. I love it when people call on the JR. NATION to wake up and smell the coffee. I am a proud Earnhardt fan, Dale, and Dale Jr. I don’t like D.W. but he said Sunday, he does not want to hear anyone say Jr. can’t drive, he drove that car untill the rains came, and never wrecked it, or anyone else. But then maybe you were getting a beer when D.W. said that. Ask Tony Stewart what he thinks about JRs. ability behind the wheel. You might be surprised, but then most Jr. haters only hear what they want to hear.

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sharon on


your comments are not of a dale jr fan.you write like a kyle busch looser fan.if you dont like dale jr then keep your comments to yourself or go to your drivers page and comment on him.

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sharon on


your comment about changing drivers shows me that you are not a fan of dale jr so just stfu and go to kyle busch page and post how great he is.

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sharon on


By Ron on May 27, 2009 | Reply

Johnson can drive,Jr. can’t.Hendrick need to get someone who will drive,not sell blue jeans and drinks

dale jr can drive as well as the other drivers at hendricks.you must be a kyle busch fan so just go away

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Mama Donia on


AMEN, MAX!!! Most people only hear what they want to hear.

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Merri B on


Hey,Hey, Tony Jr., is great. The problem is of course the main call. Look why can Martin, Johnson,awful,Gordon, awful, get to the front and leave Dale Jr., behind. Something more greater than just Crew Chiefs. Must be ownership.Dale Jr. leave this and get on with winning like you know you can. Or go fishing. Good Luck….Merri

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