128 Comments on Dale Jr Should Have Won Richmond

Tom Gunning on


Looks like a crew shake up is needed. Silly errors are killing the efforts of the whole team.

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STEVE DAWG THOMAS Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:35 am

WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE WHEN JR. CAME TO HENDRICK GET RID OF EURY JR. NOW, BUT IT’S KIND OF LATE NOW JR. WON’T BE IN THE CHASE AGAIN THIS YEAR.

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Randy King Reply:
May 6th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

I only wish Jr would find a way out of that hole (hendrick)

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amber Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 12:50 pm

As a fan of nascar ons of dale junior i think that rick hendrick should work with junior and eury jr to correct the problem. Dale is a great driver and he should not be penilized in any way. As long as he is able to drive the car and qualify for races then its the crew cheif not junior. Give junior a break

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Fred Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 4:10 pm

IT’S REAL SIMPLE GET EURY SR INVOLVED. GET HIM AS CREW CHIEF WITH EURY JR AS HIS ASSISTANT FOR AT LEAST THE REST OF THIS YEAR. I THINK HE CAN HELP HIS SON SEE HOW TO HANDLE DALE JR AS HE DID FOR MOST OF HIS CUP WINS. AS FAR AS EURY SR AND THE COT, HE HAS ENOUGH EXPERIENCE PERIOD AND WITH KNAUSS AS A SOUNDING BOARD THEY WILL BE UP TO SPEED SOON ENOUGH TO MAKE THE CHASE.

EURY SR IS ALREADY WITH JR MOTORSPORTS SO IT SHOULD BE VERY DOABLE.

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tcbpat88 Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 7:24 pm

GREAT IDEA, Fred & Pamala, I was talking about that same thing last week at work. Hendrick needs to do something NOW, I know Tony Sr. works for JR. with Brad but
just bring him in to talk to both Jr’s see if he could find out what the trouble is and with who. Tony Jr. said he’d step down and do any thing else on the team if that would help. Try it if it works then great if not then we know one thing..it is not Tony Jr. The team, shake it up they make dum mistakes..so does Jr. missing his pits,does Tony Jr. count him down like other crew chiefs? Look at RCR he didnt change teams or crew chiefs he changed drivers. So far so good. But RCR didnt just wait he did something. There is one thing ..no matter what “I will always be a Dale Jr. Fan” But something or someone has to bring that spark back to his eyes ,its gone, he’s not happy. And he doesnt know what to do.

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mamadew88 Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

I think you’ve said it all what has to happen is if and when Rick Hendrick steps in and I’m sure he will. Either (as you said) and I agree, bring in Pops and straighten out the family ties, or Rick needs to get the entire team at Hendricks together and let others give there opinions as to what they are doing wrong or offer to help their fellow teammate. After all the name of Henrick is very important to Rick. Junior is under a lot of pressure and not having a race win this year wears on his mind to succeed, and the more pressure that is put on anyone makes the matter worse.



Maureen Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 4:11 pm

I agree 100%. Get Eury Sr. back; then, he could be getting up in years!!! I don’t know. What I do know is that Dale Jr can be a winner and needs a new crew chief and dedicated spotter. Let’s keep Junior and replace his crew chief and spotter. Okay? Honestly believe that will work. But, you need to do it quickly so the new ones can mold to Junior.

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Pamala Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 5:54 pm

I think they need Pop’s, he is who was running the team when Jr. won. He won 17 races with Pops and Tony Jr. I think Jr just needs someone a little older and wiser. I remember they way Pops talked to Jr. on the radio he was very matter of fact with him, sometimes getting him mad so he would drive harder! Pops is already on board as the leader for Brad.

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Martin P. Rafferty (StrokerAce20)! Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 7:38 pm

If I were Rick Hendrix I would hire StrokerAce20 to sit in a race meeting with the drivers and the little buckaroos for some good ole tough Love, Then You take them out on the track and let them slug it out with their cars. Like when my true Mentor being one great Driver by the name of Ex-StrokerAce, himself Dale Earnhardt Sr. Then you hire me too motivate them good ole boys into some banging and a batting of the race cars with pure skill, so that nobody gets hurt. And as I am eating my ice cream, then whatever driver doesn’t give up before my icecream melts, or I lick and eat my icecream, then even Mr Hyde would be proud that strokerAce20 was at the track to see the boys try and get along.
Lets get Tom Cruise together for a sequel to Days of thunder, but please let me show Jr. what I had learned from the original “StrokerAce”.

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Tara on


I love Jr and will always be a fan, but there is something definetly wrong. First, maybe he should get a new crew chief. If that doesnt work, fire him.

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fatboy Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:52 pm

youve got it all wrong,fire jr. and hire a new driver like the one he let go.(like kyle)

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NANCY D Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

Did you ever check Juniors stats? In 10 years he has only had 18 wins. He may be popular because of off track antics but has absolutley no racing talent. We all laughed at his remark about changing to Hendrick to be a chase winner. Hendrick gives great equipment but it does no good if there is no talent driving it. Ditch Junior. Trading Kyle for him was a big mistake.

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Lugnut(Ron) Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 7:43 am

you don’t know what your talking about!! til you have been there!

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charlotte Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

why don’t yall quit picking on jr. every week?
why not pick on jeff gordon or jimmy johnson? 2 weeks ago jr held them up. they all crashed!!!! so where were they when hendricks needed them? everyone picks on dale jr. and thats not fair! maybe some of yall don’t like jr,thats what it is! but he does have alot of fans. thats why kyle is so jealous! he says he’s not,but you can tell. when he drove for hendrick,all he did was wreck cars! and every week! at least je is not doing that. if everyone would just leave the guy alone,he might do something! junebug if you read this gossip,i hope you don’t take it personally. your a good driver! jeff gordon went 40 something races before he even won!
alway’s a jr fan…..

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charlotte Reply:
May 9th, 2009 at 11:18 pm

you just sound like you don’t like jr! give him a chance!

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Randy King Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:55 pm

maybe it’s NOT Jr at all….
“Hendrick has always been a two car team. Terry/Jeff and Jeff/Jimmie has defined the modern Hendrick two punch knockout. The 88 is essentially the old #25 team…this team has never gotten it done, no matter the changes Rick has made. The #5 team hasn’t gotten it done for a long time either. Even when the Iceman was at the wheel, the last few years were bleak. The constant on the 5 has been Gusterson and he has produced the same results with 3 drivers. Kyle Busch was one he could not win with, so even if HE went to the 88 the results would be what they are now. Hendrick has yet to show they are more than a two car team. Not like Roush with 3 solids good for multiple wins each season and a fourth/fifth capable of winning any given week. Either way, one thing to enter into the Jr/Jr fail combo debate…..Is Hendrick has never shown they can field a third car that can win, let alone a fourth”…

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RoyBoy on


What would you do about Dale, Jr. if you were Rick Hendrick ? I would admit that i made a big mistake and let him go after the 2009 season because he is doing nothing for the teams but bringing embarrassment to everyone.

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scurlock Reply:
May 8th, 2009 at 1:34 pm

you all forget and pick on JR big mouths. JR was the leading driver at Hendricks all year last year til, need I remind all the folks that just take half the facts to form a opintion, that as long as Derrin Grub was on Jr pits last year Jr was up front all year. Things went south when Grub went over to Tony Stewart’s new team last year( with 10 races left ) to get Tonys team up and running. Thats when JR team started slipping , also as for pops , he doensn’t know anything about car of tomorrow. I agree with person who said that Hendricks is a two car team. I’ve been there and Jr is wwwwaaaay on other side away from Jeff and Jimmy’s teams. a difference you bet there is. I really believe JR has proved he is a great driver how many won all star race rookie year?? but he needs a better crew all the way around and who may I ask is suppose to be the leader at races between crew and driver and makes sure everything runs smooth and fast, gee you got it the crew chief

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marian mcclain on


I think they need to change the pit crew and Tony Jr. Don’t get rid of them just move them.

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UNKJIME on


SWITCH PIT CREWS WITH JIMMY JOHNSON FOR A RACE…….

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Amish Al on


Kin or no kin, they need to try another crew chief, and possibly a whole new pit crew. Excuse’s wont cut it much longer,,

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Betty Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

I have to agree with Amish Al – I love Dale,Jr, & have tried to respect his love for Tony, Jr., but he is too good of a driver to keep losing!! I listened to his scanner the whole race at Richmond & they could never get the car right for him! Unfortunately, it has to be the Crew Chief & the back up crew. I thin Rich Henrick needs to really get involved, maybe even switch things around like RCR did – there is just something that Tony, Jr. is not getting. Even Mark has won a race with a car tht wasn’t winning last year -C’mon SOMEBODY get involved so Dale can be the winner that he is!!!!!!!!!!!

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fatboy Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

the word isnt is i believe it is (WAS)

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Jim Varble on


Team Shake up what, ever is needed. the party’s over.

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harry kimmey on


WAKE UP JR. FANS, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM WIN A RACE ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE ROBBIE GORDON WIN ALSO,ALONG WITH CASEY,AND VARIOUS OTHERS. NASCAR NEEDS TO REALLY CHECK KYLE CAR OVER GOOD, HE CAN DRIVE, BUT SO CAN HALF THE FIELD DRIVERS. KYLE SEEMS TO HAVE IT ALL,SPEED, PIT CREW,AND A DRIVER WHO FLAT OUT RACES FROM START TO FINISH. ALSO IF I WAS RICK I WOULD RETIRE AND WATCH FROM A BOX SEAT.HE HAS THE MONEY,BUT HE CAN’T PUSH THE PETTALS OUT THERE.

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natesjuliet88 on


I think a change is needed. Crew chief and pit crew. Jr is my favorite driver and will always be but something needs to be done. Too many mistakes are being made and I think Jr needs to focus more on his driving

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Colleen on


I would separate the the two Jr’s, and see how that goes, I know that didn’t work too good in the past, but that was at a time when the two were fighting and needed to be separated, now they are not fighting, they are just not running well, something has to be done. It’s either Dale Jr or Tony Jr that is the problem, this is the only way to find out which one it is, just separate them for a season or two.

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natesjuliet88 Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:37 am

great Idea Colleen

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scruffy on


Rick should shake up Jr’s pit crew they are falling down on him and Rick should look into why Jr’s car is substandard to Jimmy’s and Jeff’s. Something is fishey here because Jr is a great driver if he had the equipment.

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Hutch on


Give him a new crew chief but by no means, take Alan Gustafson away from Mark Martin. That wouldn’t be fair to the 5 team. I think Rick will eventually realize that Jr. is a mediocre driver, just like Casey Mears. When his contract expires, replace him with Martin Truex and Rick will finally have his dream team. But I doubt Rick will let the most popular driver go.

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Carol Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:49 am

I’m not an expert, but I have not seen a crew chief change in the middle of the year produce successful results. Excessive pressure is detrimental to performance,however this is not easy to remedy when you are the most popular driver and son of a legendary drive.

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Oh Boy on


GROW UP. ADMIT YOU NEED STRUCTURE IN YOUR LIFE. GET THE SO CALLED FRIENDS OFF YOU PROPERTY. SEE HOW LONG THEY LAST WHEN THE FREE STUFF IS GONE. GET A MATURE CREW CHIEF THAT DOESN’T TAKE YOUR BACK TALK. NOW START LOOKING FOR THE MOLE IN THE HENDRICK ORGANIZATION. SOMETHING IS WRONG THERE. PLAY TIME IS OVER START WINNING LIKE WE KNOW YOU CAN. (TRY A SPORTS PSYCHOLOGIST) “I FORGOT ONE IMPORTANT THING,,,,DON’T DRINK ALL THOSE ENERGIZING DRINKS. THEY ARE NOT GOOD FOR YOU AND THEY MAKE YOU FAT. FAT IS NOT WHAT YOU NEED AND THEY DON’T HELP YOU CONCENTRATE. GET YOURSELF A CHEF TO PREPARE HEALTHY MEALS.
DANG IT BOY YOU CAN DO BETTER. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO MATTERS DON’T THROW YOURSELF ON THE ALTAR OF FRIENDSHIP. CLEAN HOUSE.

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Erin Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:32 pm

Right Mark get a head shrinker…hey I’m for hire! Hehehe Tony Jr needs to be more assertive and Junior needs to learn how to communicate and not be so phobic in interviews.Perhaps a course or two in inter and intrapersonal communication. I’ve noticed Junior is starting to sport that mid-gut and some of that is just age but I’m sure his eating habits are about like Smoke’s.If he needs to concentrate get the sugar free small shots. They do work. I use Monster Hit Man it’s great when I have a test in statistics.

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Thelma Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 4:17 pm

That is the best idea I have heard. I think Jr. neeeds someone like hhis dad who would not take his stuff and show him how to win races. He needs a strong crew chief up on that box and Tony Jr. can find another job. He will never win a championship with Tony Jr.

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Frank on


I have always been a JR fan and always will be. But this problem has to be addressed head-on and now. Business is business. Rick Hendrick didn’t get where he is by letting the situation dictate to him.

If he asked me what I would do:

1. Immediately do a wholesale crew replacement incl. Tony. And I didn’t say “swap”
2. Get JR away somewhere for an all-day Come To Jesus meeting where he would have to give his input. He KNOWS what’s wrong!
3. Recognize that Tony Eury, Jr is not the final authority on racing.
4. Get Tony out immediately because he is obviously causing problems between everyone.

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harold Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:43 pm

i have been an earnhart fan for
twenty five years. jr needs some good old butt kicking. he needs a good father figure like he did
with tony eury sr. if that don’t
work then hire brad k. i firmly believe that a new crew chief
would to do the trick. i would like someone to tell me if jr
is giving good data why tony jr
can’t get the car right. tony jr is a good crew chief on the
older type car. but not on car
of tommorrow.

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shellbell Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

I also am a long time Jr. fan. I agree with Harold. I think they need to bring in Tony SR. He seemed to be able to handle Dale Jr. not only as a crew chief but as a father figure. Sometimes I think Dale Jr. is just (haha) a little spoiled. He is used to getting what he wants and needs to realise that doesn’t always happen. He hated his new car Sunday but Jeff wasn’t happy with his either but managed to still drive it. Something definitely needs to be done cause Jr. can drive if given the right combination.

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Buddy Graham on


Something is wrong. And somebody at Hendrick knows what it is. Why won’t they speak up?

We are all on the outside, and have no idea what the problem is, but somebody does! Never mind the hurt feelings, this is a multi-million dollar business, but if continues like a family affair, it won’t be.

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cookie on


Something is definitely wrong. I don’t think Tony E understands what Junior is telling him. It is obvious that they aren’t working together. I don’t think Chad is the answer either. What about Tony E Sr. He was good for Junior before. I think he is much more alert when it comes to racing lingo. You have to draw the line between family and your job. Burton was able to see that Junior was loose why couldn’t Tony Jr? Or, another way to look at it, is Nascar pulling the strings.
You will never change my opinion of Dale, Jr.
I believe he is not getting the setup and help he needs. It must be very frustrating for him

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Don on


it would be nice to say i had the answer or any one of the people giving a reply. If they had the answer why not get a team and become a winner like Rick Hendrick. i feel there are numerous issues. I would start with shaking up the over the wall team. they have created issues not to say it is all their fault. I would also bring an engineer in to help. I would also monitor their communication to make sure what Dale is saying is being transmitted to Tony and understood. If a car is tight it is tight. What does swerlie mean. if Tony knows that is fine however communication is not what is said but what is heard and understood. Small steps should be tried before major undertakings. Let’s refine the team not start from scratch!

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Roger Moyer on


For whatever the reason,the chemistry is not there.Look at Jeff,Jimmy,Kyle,and how well that they work together with their crews.I feel that Rick needs to step in and make some changes.I think that he has sat back and hoped that things would worked themselves out,but they have not.

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Hank on


I’m thinking Mr. Hendrick should take the two Jr’s for ice cream. It certainly wasn’t pretty listening to the team on the scanner Saturday night at Richmond. I wish the cousins the best and support them both, but the time is soon approaching for CHANGE of sometype. I’ve got faith in Mr Hendrick. It will be ok.

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Glenn on


Man does this sound like something SR has said to his son in the past. The party is over Jr, it is time to grow up and make those mature decisions that even though may be tough have to be made. If racing and winning is your goal then act like it. Dale’s only goal should be the very best driver he can be. Should Hendrick fire him when his contract is up? i think not but Hendrick is the owner and if no one else wants to step up and make some changes then he certainly has to and should. I do not think Jr is out of the running for the chase by any means but if he is to make it some changes have to be made and made now. What those changes are I have no clue as I am just a fan and no expert in this but you can see something is definately wrong. I will not give up on Jr as I am a fan but even from my seat in the living room I can see that what worked in the past is not working now. Listen to your gutt and remember the words of your father Jr and make those decisions that need to be made. When/if you loose your seat in a race car let that be because you can’t or don’t want to be in that seat not because you let someone else run you out of the groove. They will still have a job.

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Mavis Rideout on


I’m not an expert on driving race cars and the details that go in to making them run. It seems in the first place Jrs. cars don’t seem to come off the truck prepared to race like the rest. Last year they would be good until part way through the race and then fall off. That could be blamed on the crew not making the right adjustments for him or maybe him not giving the right information. This year it seems most of the time he starts out bad and spends most of the race playing catch up trying to get the car to drive properly. In Richmond it seemed maybe they finally hit on something but he got in traffic and it just seemed his car wasn’t driving very good. Then after connecting with Jeff Burton he couldn’t seem to do anything. It worked good for Burton as his car got better. I think they need to communicate more with the other teams and if there setups are different but working maybe Jr should adjust to the different setup.

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peggy on


Dale you need to let go of tony,I think he is keeping you from winning,get another pit crew or something.you need to try harder to win,or are you just not interested anymore….please dont leave im the best fan you have so I will hang in there and you try harder and do away with the pit crew……

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Marilyn on


Let Tony Sr and Tony Jr trade places. Tony Sr was his crew chief when he won his championships in Nationwide and his first races in Cup until Tony Jr took over. Jr won a lot under Tony Sr and so why not try that. I was a Sr fan and Dale Sr wanted Jr to win at any cost. If he were still here things would be so different, but we can’t go back,,,,But he could try the things that got him 2 championships in Nationwide. Rick has got to step up and say this is still my business and we are going to make some changes. Jr has got to win,,,,,I am so sick of Kyle and his antics we need Jr to step up at ANY cost and correct this thing NOW!

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Erin Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:35 pm

That could work but I don’t think Pops wants that big of a job he wants to cut back. The thing there is Pops would tell Junior enough of that crap! and he had Junior’s respect as an elder. Maybe that is the solution get him someone he respects as an elder to mentor him.

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Marilyn Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 2:40 pm

Erin, that is the point I was trying to make. Jr started his career with Pops and he listened to him and still respects him as he hired him to take over Brad. But he could still come in and let Tony Jr take over BK. I think it would do wonders for Jr as he and Pops were always on the same page when he drove for Nationwide and he started in the Cup and won with Tony Sr a lot then. Maybe we need to email Rick???

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nascarmary Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 10:33 am

I agree

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Junie on


OK, I’m probably going to be unpopular, but, this is what I think. First, Rick should spend one whole race listening to Jr on the radio without his knowledge. I think then Rick will know what needs done with communication between the Jrs. Second, Rick needs to take a good look at the pit crew and make the decisions that need made. Third, Rick investigate the equipment issues. I’m a huge Jr fan, but, I think he needs to learn appropriate communication skills. Once Jr can adequately communicate what the car is doing, then he needs to trust his crew chief to make the right decisions. Jr’s focus needs to be on driving, plus communicating! Using the f-bomb about his ‘piece of sh*t’ doesn’t help anybody, most of all Jr! Jr seems to be trying to diagnose and figure out the fix, when he should be DRIVING!!

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Junie Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 12:14 pm

Continued . . . I hit the wrong button and sent before I wanted.

I don’t think it’s in Jrs’ best interest to micro-manage the pit crew from the cockpit during a race.

Just my humble opinion!

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Donna on


I really think its the pit crew needs a shaking up ..I don’t think Tony Jr. is at Fault and maybe a bit more communication between the cousins would be good ..Jr. letting Tony Jr. gets things right on his car by telling exactly what the problem is ..And if that don’t all work then getting a new Cc to see if that is what the problem is and what happens from there well couldn’t tell you ..Maybe Rick needs to step in have a cookie and milk meeting with the team and get to the bottom of the whole problem ..someone has to take charge of this team and there faults surely someone will grab the bull bu the horns so to speak ..Come on Rick ,Jr. and Tony jr. someone step it up ..Would sure like to see him in the chase this year hate the thoughts of him not ..We know you can do it Jr. and you will do it time is on your side ..

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Mary on


I agree with Glenn – Go Jr. You can do it.

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Herb on


Jr., I am a big fan of yours, but there is something wrong, I think if you got rid of Tony Jr. for a couple races ,get some of your late father;s zing on the track, and drive your heart out, I think you could come up as a big winner in driving and keep all your fans + more, give it a try. good luck, I am rooting for you.

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Randy King on


I just wanna say, Hendrick doesn’t give a crap how Jr finishes.(he would of done something about already).. 1yr 1/2 @hendrick and Jr’s done nothing.. So why should i care if Hendrick doesn’t….

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Junie Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 12:27 pm

Hmmmmmm, there’s an intersting thought! But maybe appearances are deceiving!

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STEVE DAWG THOMAS on


LOOK ON THE GOOD SIDE, JR.’S GOT A LOCK ON THE CHASE FOR MISSING THE PITS.HE MAY BE DRINKING MORE THAN AMP THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACES.

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Rose on


Give Jr. a whole new crew Tony never has been good for Jr. Jr. is the best but he can’t do it on his own, if Hendrick really cared he would have done something by now I agree.

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Junie on


You could be on to something, have Jr listen to his team mates radios or actually, how ’bout listening to the whole radio log of the guy who wins the race!!! Might prove to be an education!

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Tom on


A change is needed – 100% and it has to be Tony and the team. They are not working as well as Rich Hendrick thought they would. He gave them a chance and they are not performing the way they should be. Jr. is good and he need a good team to succeed. If we keep Tony, then we are in for more of the same. Rick got to do something NOW !!!! It is not too late.

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Andy on


I used to be a Jr fan but after last year I just had to say enough is enough. Jr you have been riding on Dads name long enough. Your just another also ran driver now. And what is with the lingo on the radio you have been in the game long enough to know how to talk, grow up. Get rid of the good ole boys in the pit. Now if I was Rick Hendrick, I would be thinking about bring back Kyle and letting Jr go. Rick has supplied the car and parts but nothing has come of it. Time to say bye bye Jr was nice knowing you but your not doing the whole team any good and just costing money. Name or no Name Jr is not the driver his father was and never will be.

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Randy King Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:20 pm

what did kyle do at hendrick? henrick doesn’t care how jr races.. it’s all about the 24 and 48..

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richardgates on


get rid of Jr. should have kept Kyle-he,s got the best equipment but can,t drive

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Donna Cunningham on


I think that first and foremost that we should say alot of prayers for Jr.. He is under alot of stress and stress can do alot of things to your health. We just need to be loyal fans and pray that things do turn around for him.

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George on


I am a Fan of JR.s but lately after the first 35 lap’s I see what he is doing and I turn to a different station,and just look at it for couple minutes and no change turn it off..I think Jr. should do what Stewart did and do his own team thing,He has the Money go for it

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Randy King Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:16 pm

maybe hendrick could give the 88 to brad and jr can move on, take the 8 and team up with smoke..

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nascarmary on


I think jr should bring pops back as crew cheif he had get victoies with him in the so called bush series

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Jack on


Admit it, Jr. is not Sr. & never will be. He has wore out his dads name & reputation. He is just a mediocore drive & has always been.
Teresa wasn’t as dumb as we thought she was!

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Jim Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 4:03 pm

I think JR does not have the desire to be a top driver in nascar. It looked like at daga JR was willing to run seccond to anyone. Teresa WAS right, JR needs to decide if he wants to drive or act. JR just doesnt have the killer drive SR did. JR will always be a third driver at hendricks & it seems to be ok with both JR & Mr H.

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Tom on


If you look in the past father/son race drivers, none of them succeed like their fathers.
Look at Davey Allison, look at Kyle Petty and now Jr. I feel 2nd generation are not meant to be better than their father although the names bring in fans.

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Tom on


I just don’t understand how Rick Hendrick can have great drivers (Gordon, Johnston, Busch-when he was with them) and now has Jr. but can’t seems to get Jr. jump started. So, get rid of Eury and the team and bring in a new crew chief, maybe like Jeff Hammond or Darrel Waltrip. Those 2 would really put Jr. in his place.

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Tom on


Maybe Jr.’s heart is still with DEI?
Maybe he want to go back with Theresa and become part owners with her. Maybe she would take him back.

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Gary on


Fire Gordon and Johnson. Then make one big team out of all the crews. And then if he still can’t win fire Mark Martin and… you get the idea..

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SCOTT GIBB on


JRS A GOOD DRIVER HE HAS SAID HE WILL BE NEVER LIKE HIS DAD RICK NEED A NEW CREW IF THAT DOES NOT WORK THEN IT HAS TO BE JR. I HOPE NOT

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UNKJIME/stlmo on


DEAR ANDY; That is Brutal, Jr.Can drive,he is one of the best.I am 65 and drove back in the >Tony Betenhouser( spelling ?)< day’s,on dirt I watch Jr. close he has got it.The motor has it most of the time. I think Tony Jr.just does not connect with Dale as well as getting the tires to….

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Helen Johnson on


I hope all of you know there is no one that can help Dale Jr. but Jesus, and I doubt if he ever prays, he has to much going on in his life.
Rick should have traded crew chiefs a long time ago, but he made a mistake. I feel sorry for Jr. You Jr. nation need to pray that he will come out of this, and be the driver that we know and love.

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Erin Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 1:39 pm

Helen you could be right that Junior needs something else that is missing in his life. That could be faith.Maybe some of the drivers who have that strong faith should spend a little time with Junior? Joe Nemecheck, Morgan Shepherd etc. I also think he has too much going on in his life and he may needs to step back from some after all driving the race car is supposed to be his full time job. Not Whiskey River etc.

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Tom on


Maybe if they fired everybody and put all them with Jr. and still don’t move ahead, then it would be time to fire Rick Hendrick, lol.

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Erin on


Linda I think they should maybe have someone else on the 48 box for maybe just one week and let Chad sit over on the 88 box as a mentor or something or even Steve or Alan. Something has to change.I think the issues are Junior screams and curses at Tony Jr. instead of giving him the right feedback on the car so Tony Jr makes a mistake. The problem is all Junior’s attitude. It is not Tony Jr. I like Junior. He is a sweetheart but NO ONE should be allowed to talk to their crew chief like that! He needs someone that will give it back to him, someone like Greg Zippadelli who handled Smoke quite well when he would spout off.He’d simply say,”that’s enough of that crap!” Junior is just like his dad in many ways and one is how he can be talk to his team. I wonder if Dale would be able to drive one of these COT without having a fit? He was a great driver but this car presents problems. I believe Dale would have picked it up fine but not without B****** and screamin.Mr. H needs to tell Junior shut up and drive, get him a mentor to teach him how to give proper feedback (Jimmie, Mark or Jeff) and do what I suggested. Put someone else up on the box or record what goes on and have that person evaluate both driver and crew chief. I’m willing to be it will come back on Junior and is lack of communication and social skills. He is still quite awkward in interviews and if you watch him closely he appears scared to death. Maybe he needs a psychologist to help him overcome his social anziety disorder? I am convinced that is his problem.

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Nancy on


Dale Jr. is not a great driver – certainly not the driver people are trying to make him out to be and he will never go far. Rick Hendrick needs to change his crew chief and get someone in there that will take Jr. in hand and not take any bull from him. Then he just might win a race or two.

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Shamrock on


Change the Tonys! Get Jr. Uncle back on the box!!!!!!!!!!

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nascarmary Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 10:28 am

thats right pops is Tony Eurys father pops he help jr win two championships in the Busch series back to back

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Judie on


We are also big Dale JR fans, & totally agree theres a huge problem among his team. It’s easy to blame the pit-crew ,Tony JR etc, for not getting it right this far into the season. I have a problem with Jr, & his mistake, after mistake.He acting like hes a rookie, instead of well seasoned driver. He had better get it together soon, cause being most popular drive don’t get the job done.

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Evie on


As I watch the race Saturday night, I notice there wasn’t much said about Dale Jr. I really don’t know what to think now, just might change crew chief with Jimmy Johnson and see how that goes. Tony Jr. wasn’t much of a crew chief while he was at DEL, then Dale Jrs. has him go with him to Henderick’s……… Not Good. They might be family,cousin or not he (Tony)needs to go. Mr. Henderick needs to do some talking to the 2 and go from there. Don’t get me wrong I really do like Dale Jr. Something just needs to get there heads together and work the problem out then LET”S GO RACIN BOYS.

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Ria on


I see many possible reasons… I may be totally off the wall but it seems like Junior lost the determination and drive ‘to win’ after the corvette fire. He used to make, from start to finish for some exciting racing. I also see Eury Jr as a #10 guy but as Juniors crew chief it is not working. Junior needs to act like a race car driver behind the wheel, clean up his mouth and convey what is wrong with the car! It appears Henderick is not the golden race team: they seems to be a great two car team! Junior has the talent but as we can all see there is something very, very, wrong. It is sad to see him flounder almost every week, he IS better than that. Henderick equipment is not impressing me.

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carole on


I was at the race at Richmond and watching the 88 was pitiful. Loose didn’t begin to describe the car, Most of the race it was sliding like it was on ice. I also listened to the scanner and Jr kept his cool a lot longer that I would have. He didn’t cuss, scream or yell until about the last 80 laps. He was giving as good of feedback as Jeff or Jimmy(I listened to all three drivers ) I think he was totally frustrated. The most interesting comment I heard was that the car was no good when it got to the track. Like a driver or not a car that is no good right off the truck is the crew chief’s fault. Bring back Eury Sr before the season is too far gone, Or is Hendrick afraid that Jr can’t win with anyone. The last time the JR/JR team split Eury won with Waltrip and Earnhardt did nothing. Glad I am not in Rick Hendrick’s shoes. Although no one seems to be mentioning the fact that Jimmy Johnson had a horrendour race and finished behind Jr at Richmond.
s

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Mare on


I have said all along–Gordon whined as to not winning last year, so Hendrick has put all his interest in him this year. Jr has to fend for himself. He cetainly isn’t going to get any support from the 24 and 48. No one else has gotten full support that has raced in the Hendrick camp with the 24 and 48. If that isn’t the case, why hasn’t Hendrick done something. Other owners have changed crews, crew chiefs, with their drivers this past few weeks. It shouldn’t be too late to try things. I’m just not sure Hendrick wants to this year. His favorite twosome has to get more wins under their belts before Jr gets any attention. I know some of Jr’s problems are himself, but golly other drivers have been in his position and their owners took action.

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Queenie Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 9:20 pm

Now I have heard it all from a Jr fan.
When did Gordon whine last year?Its time for you Jr fans stop blaming Kyle and stop blaming JJ and stop blaming Jeff.Look at what your boy does befor and after races.He isnt even in shape like he use to be.Its not the cars.Its not the team.Its not the CC.Its JR!

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meme on


I still believe like the rest, change crew chief and Mr Hendrick set on pit box. He does with the other teams.

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Queenie Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 9:18 pm

His sits on Jrs also.Flickr.com has pictures all over the place.

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Buddy Graham on


I wish all this were true, we are getting so close to the chase cut-off.

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Lynn on


I think the problem is with Hendrick’s equipment. Kyle wasn’t winning when he left. Jeff hasn’t been winning. Jimmy was mostly winning when Chad was cheating. So, Hendrick needs to look at what changes can be made across the board to make the cars better. I also think that drivers sometimes get humbled when they realize that they could die racing. Right now, Kyle is fearless and it’s working for him.

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BJ on


My, oh, my! Some of you who are making such derrogatory comments are pitiful. First of all, Jr. never wanted to be like his father. Andy, he never wanted to ride on his dad’s name. It’s not his fault he’s an Earnhardt. And Gary, firing J & J was not even cute. I realize it was only sarcasm. But still not cute. Yes, there is certainly a lot of pressure on him – but who did that to him? His fans and most of all, the commentators and reporters.

Splitting up Jimmie and Chad is ridiculous because they have a good thing going. Perhaps Chad could speak to Jr. but it could cause a race loss for Jimmie if Chad went to Jr.s pit box.

I don’t think Jr.s cars are set up properly. That is part of Eury Jr.’s job and maybe he needs more education in this respect. However, I do believe it is time to split up Jr. & Jr. Racing is their jobs and it certainly is business. Families don’t mix well in this type of business. Anyway, not on the physical working side of it. Perhaps Eury, Sr. is the answer. Perhaps another option would be Elledge, Jr.’s brother-in-law. Elledge is a good crew chief and with Jr.’s sister, Kelly, behind Elledge, Jr. may do better. That’s only a suggestion. Nevertheless, the ball is in Hendrick’s court and it’s time for him to make his move. If Eury really cares about Jr., he will step back and let Jr. go on. He’s dragging Dale Jr. down. The chemistry is not there anymore.

I will always be a Dale Jr. fan. I believe in him and I will always support him.

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mick on


To question Jr’s ability isn’t founded. He’s had as good a start in Nascar as any driver out there. The COT has thrown this team a loop they can’t unwind. I agree with voices here that demand a leader. There is no leader on the number 88 .. find one.. and make his word law, no ifs, and’s or buts. The reason no one can figure out what’s wrong is no one seems to be in charge here. Bring Sr. back…he’ll tell the kid where to get off…and hold himself responsible for any and all problems. That’s what good management does.

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J Weldon on


Up set the whole apple cart. Jr get’s paid a lot of money to over come all his problems. I think it’s time put up. Get back to raceing and not blameing and whineing.

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Ray on


Jr needs to concentrate as much on his driving as his advertising people concentrate on selling his die-cast, etc. If that happened Jr. would win every week, get Jr. to practice pit stops and just maybe he will win again.

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Edward J Rogers Jr on


Well if the pit crew did there JOB right HE CAN WIN THE RACE! IF HIS CAUSIN WOULD DO HIS JOB RIGHT HE WOULD WIN AS WELL!!!!!

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Huff Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:02 pm

First he has to find his pit stall, that would give the pit crew a better chance!!

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Gary on


MY O MY……Lets just forget it all and party the rest of the week. Jr. will be there…

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Mama Donia on


It seems when Jr. is interviewed on TV, that he doesn’t have the happy face on that is needed to be pepped up for a race. Something is desperately wrong, somewhere on that pit crew or either Jr. has something on his mind that is preventing him from getting aggressive when he is out there on the track. Mr. Hendrick is a good man, and I think he will figure it out, sooner or later. I love Jr. as much as anyone, and I would love for him to win every week, something has got to give. I think we are all upset and don’t know what’s up, whether’s it’s Eury, Jr. or something else.

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Queenie Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 9:16 pm

Try Jr.Havent you all noticed his “party” pictures? How about what was he doing before the now famous Vegas “comments”? Jr is more into his “parties” and not racing.Its sad to keep seeing people make up excuses for him.But any one of you could go to flickr and see just what your boy does before a race night in Vegas.

And HMS.He is now in the best cars.Kyle didnt have a problem winning over there.MM has already won one.The one race Jr did win was handed to him by Nascar.But if I didnt say that.Have you saw his stats?The question shoudl be “How much longer are Jr fans gonna make up excuses for him?”

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RacingWin Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 10:34 pm

Queenie, drop the innuendo.

Do you have a picture, or a link to one?

Do you have a quote that is a “now famous comment?”

Please, just the facts.

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REGAN on


FIRE ALL OF THE CREW AND START OVER JR HAS THE TALENT HE JUSST NEEDS A KICK IN THE BUTT

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vicki on


Hendrick needs to get rid of Juniors entire crew. I know that junior is all about family but sometimes family just isn’t what it takes to win. He needed to seperate himslf from that whole entire situation over there at DEI and that includes Eury Jr. I love Dale Jr. and i would love to see him win and contend for something. Hedrick is a great race team and I know that junior has it in him but does the rest of the crew? Seems not. Anyway, i hpe that things turn around for him very soon. He needs it and deserves it.

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Max on


Listening to the other teams wouldn’t solve the problem, whatever it is. Remember back when Dale & Dale Jr. switched cars, just trying out each others ride??? When they got
out of the cars…they told each other their
cars was a bunch of crap. All drivers have
different likes & dislikes in their cars. I too wish Pops would take over as CC…but
don’t see that happening.

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RoyBoy on


To all race fans, using your computer search engine type in the following words; “Rick Hendrick fraud case” ! Now please read all the information you find. Also type in; who had Billy Crump murdered ? Also keep in mind that God works in mysterious ways.

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Sam on


Well sense Jr can’t ride on Daddy’s coat tail anymore he needs to get to work.

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cookie white Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 7:16 am

that seems to hit the nail on the head

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Queenie on


Fire Jr.

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Eric on


Get all the crew chief’s together and compare how the cars are being set up. They all are good at what they do, but Jr’s and Mark Martin’s car are not doing what they should. All four teams should be running near the front.

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Huff Reply:
May 4th, 2009 at 11:07 pm

What races have you been watching? Other than the one blown engine Mark’s cars have been fine.

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Jackie Gayken on


If I were Rick Hendrick, I would be kicking my own butt… for letting Kyle Busch go! He is making Jr. look pitiful!

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cookie white on


hendrick should switch up crew chiefs. the crew is only led by crew chief. jr. may have not won…in a while but he’s had some good finishes. it does suck he won’t be in the chase again this year, but i’ve always been a fan since his rookie year.

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Patti on


bring in pops and see what happens – switch pops for jr and win win win

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kim on


i’ve been a jr. fan since he started,and his dad made him work on his own cars when he ran late models so he would know the ins and outs of racing,maybe he should get his hands dirty again and get that spark back,it just isn’t fun anymore for the jr’s, hendrick, or us fans watching a race used to get me riled up now it just depresses me,i think NASCAR has made it safer with the COT,but then they tied everybodies hands when it comes to trying to get an edge against other teams you know {cheating} a bit,give us just a little bit more wiggle room i don’t think it would hurt the safety issue.i mean why have all the cars be equal?racing was all about the crew chief who got away with doing a little somethin’ somethin’to the car that gave his driver the edge,loosen up alittle NASCAR not alot just give something back so racing is fun again

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Bob Wilson on


There definately needs to be a complete crew change including Eury jr. I understand Jr’s. feeling about family but, family is one thing and business is another. Come on Jr! Everyone else see’s it.

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Norm Heseltine sr on


I PERSONALLY THINK JR HAS A DISPOSITION THAT NEDS SOME ANGER MANAGEMENT AND R HENDRICKS IS THE MAN TO CALM HIM DOWN . REMEMBER THAT JS HAS IN THE PAST BEN A REBEL AND THAT HAS TO BE TONED DOWN . GOD WILL HELP YOU ,BUT JR HAS TO SEE THE LIGHT
GO TO A QUIET PLACE AND GET HELP JR .
YOU AND ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENC IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE !
YOU HAVE THE TALENT , BUT YOUR TEAM WILL WORK WITH YOU NOT AGAINST YOU MAN, COOL OUT AND DRIVE LIKE A CHAMPION YOU CAN BE.

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LINDA S on


JR IS ONE OF THE BEST DRIVERS OUT THERE.NO MATTER WHERE HE FINISHES MY FAMILY IS BEHIND HIM 100%. I DON’T EVEN PRETEND TO KNOW WHAT TTHE PROBLEM IS BUT SOMEONE JUST CAN’T GET THAT CAR RIGHT..I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HIS PERSONAL LIFE IT IS HIS BUSINESS NOT MINE BUT BOY HE SURE CAN DRIVE THAT RACE CAR. THE TEAM NEEDS HELP FROM SOMEONE TO HELP THEM FIGURE IT ALL OUT.. GO 88

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Maureen on


Junior just needs a little fire under him. He’s so angelic these days he cannot possibly win races. God forgive me for what I am about to say, but Dale Jr. needs a little devilment in him to fire up his brain these days. He needs to get angry, retailate…….without being put on probation. NASCAR has not been any help to Dale Jr. either. When NASCAR comes down on Junior he completely gives up in racing. I have noticed this through the years.

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Oh Boy on


Junior hasn’t been right with Nascar since the “S” word incident got him fined JUNIOR DON’T LET PIPSQUEEK {B FRANCE) INTIMIDATE YOU. This man has ruined racing as far as I’m concerned.

Jr. is a great driver but they have handcuffed him. Nobody bump drafts the way he does.

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Kevin on


Change Tony Jr. and Chad. No way. Chad and Jimmie always seem to have a great season, maybe not at the beginning but they come out of it mid-season. Why break it apart. I watched when Bob was taken from Carl’s box and the bad season Carl had (if you can call finishing in the top 15 bad)when that happened. Bob got put back on Carl’s box and look at the season Carl had. No, leave Chad with Jimmie, put someone else on Jr’s box, see what happens and then make a decision on Dale Jr. If that doesn’t fix it, then the problem might be Dale Jr. Everyone thought that his being at DEI and the controversy there affected his driving. Now he’s been with Hendrick for a couple seasons and nothing has changed. Maybe he should drive in the Busch series and Bendricks should put someone else in the car. Results count and Jr. isn’t getting results. As for Toyota having ore power, well it didn’t help last year. Look where Tony S. was running in a Toyota last year and look at how he’s doing this year. Nuff said. Bye.

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Marilynn on


Rick does seem to have two favorite teams, the 24 and the 48. They have to be doing something that the other two teams aren’t. Rick is all about sharing info, but obviously some of it isn’t being shared. I know Dale is fearsly loyal to family and friends, but his pit crew has sucked lately. I think it is time for a change of pit crew. If they can’t get him in and out the pits as they should, then find some who can. When he is running good, he looses spots when he comes in the pits. I know he lost his car engineer (Darian Grubb) also. Maybe who ever replaced him needs to be replaced also. Please Mr. Hendrick, do something! Dale is a better driver than what he has shown this year!

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Shell Bell on


I totally agree with bringing in Pops. He always knew how to handle Jr. and always will. Jeff and Jimmy have a good thing going with cc and setups, Henderick needs to concentrate on his other two cars and then he would have a “Dream Team.” Unless he doesn’t really want it. If that is the case, why have four cars? Harvick switched crew chiefs, why can’t Jr.? Isn’t it worth a try? Couldn’t hurt at this point.

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Diane on


Jr. is a talented driver. But, you can’t win if you don’t have a winable car! The team needs to work as a team. Can’t fire the pit crew chief at this point, just think about what to do next year. Hendrick needs to step in and talk to the two and settle things. Then, they, as a team need to fix it! But, all in all, Hendrick’s would be a fool to fire the most popular racer in NASCAR. I know I probably wouldn’t attend any more.

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Jim on


Well JR starts 26 tonight. I doubt he will lead a lap, Will finish a lap down & be listed as “alos ran”. O well nascar needs cars to fill the starting grid. I am a JR fan, just over his shoddy season & so early.

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Katherine on


I’m a 56 year old woman and a big fan of Dale Jr, I would like to see him won this race, so if they need Tony SR to be there PLEASE put him there.
We can win again: Dale Jr is not done winning races Yet.

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Merri B on


Hi: Just tell Dale Jr. to leave Hendricks and start over with his complete team (Eurys) and get back on the track. If no Hey Dale go into movies.We all would love to see you in one. A real good movie.

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