Heat on Dale Earnhardt Jr

May 28, 2009 by RacingWin
Filed under: Dale Earnhardt Jr 


No More Excuses

The heat was just turned up a few degrees on Dale Earnhardt Jr today.

Tony Eury Jr has been replaced as Dale Earnhardt Jr’s crew chief.

2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup SeriesThat leaves no more excuses for poor performance. Dale Earnhardt Jr has just been handed all the resources Hendrick Motorsports has to offer. There will be no one left to blame if the 88 car does not see improvements on the race track.

A Trio of Crew Chiefs

It sounds like Rick Hendrick has hired a committee of crew chiefs to run the No. 88.

Hendrick Motorsports announced that Lance McGrew would become Interim Crew Chief for the No.88 car starting with the June 7 Pocono race.

Brian Whitesell will fill in as crew chief for one race this weekend at Dover.

The plan is for Whitesell and Rex Stump – two of the best engineers in all on NASCAR – to provide support to new crew chief Lance McGrew to get the No. 88 car back on track.

Brian Whitesell was Ray Evernham’s right-hand man when the No. 24 team of Jeff Gordon was winning all those races and championships.

Rex Stump is the man behind the famous T-Rex car that Jeff Gordon won the All Star race with in 1997. That car was banned by NASCAR – not because it was illegal, but because it was so advanced. NASCAR had no rules against the car, but they had never seen anything like it, and told the No. 24 team not to bring the car back.

Stump is the lead chassis engineer at Hendrick Motorsports.

Eury’s Cars Removed From Hauler

Tony Eury Jr had Dale Jr’s Dover cars loaded on the hauler and ready to go before he got the news from Rick Hendrick that he was out as Junior’s crew chief.

McGrew, Whitesell and Stump didn’t waste any time making changes. They unloaded Junior’s cars, removed Eury’s setup, and tuned the chassis similar to what the other 3 Hendrick cars have.

After Dale Jr’s 40th place finish at Lowe’s Motor Speedway this week something was bound to happen.

Hendrick Not Happy

“Our performance hasn’t been where it should be,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “It’s impossible to pin that on any one factor, but a change is the right decision at this point. We have a plan in place, and we’re going to move forward with it.”

McGrew has won championships before. He was crew chief for Brian Vickers when the two won the 2003 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.

He has won as recently as February at Daytona when he was crew chief for Tony Stewart in the Nationwide race.

McGrew Lacks Experience

But McGrew has little experience with today’s Sprint Cup cars.

But you have to admit that Rick Hendrick has a pretty good track record when it comes to picking crew chiefs. He hired Ray Evernham and Chad Knaus. The two of them have 6 championships.

Tony Eury Jr will move to a position in the Hendrick research and development shop. “I have mixed feelings,” Eury said. “I’ll do whatever I can to help all of our teams. I think a new challenge will be good.”

I’m not so sure that a crew chief that has just been bumped up from the Nationwide Series is the answer – but I guess we’ll find out shortly. Maybe that’s why his title carries the word “interim.”

If this deal is going to work it will require co-operation n from all parties involved – including Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Junior needs to precisely describe how the car is performing, and then let the crew chief fix the car. No more crew-chiefing from the driver’s seat.

We’ll see if this is the right move. Do you think Rick Hendrick has made the right call?

 

Dale Earnhardt Mens Watch

 

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Comments

89 Comments on Heat on Dale Earnhardt Jr

  1. harold on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:30 pm

    2. best news i have heard since jr. moved to henderick.

    Reply

  2. kitkat on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:32 pm

    3. omg wow i thot it would b another wk but they move fast cause i juss talked 2 dale last nite and they were still debatin and he said it was all on rick and now it was juss like boom but he wouldnt tell me exactly 4 sure cause till it hits the public they wont speak haah.

    #1 jr fan!!

    Reply

  3. diamond56 on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:32 pm

    4. Something needed to be done. Time will tell, but I’m still backing my #88 driver all the way!!

    Reply

  4. Betty Allen on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:33 pm

    5. Yes, for the time being. Something has to happen to improve the 88.

    Reply

  5. James Lupo on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:33 pm

    6. Finally.Tony Eury Jr, should have been gone a long time ago. Brian Whitesal is an awesome choice for Dover. We should see a noticeable diffrence in the #88. Its up to Jr. to drive the car. He needs to concentrate on being a race car driver. Not a bar owner.

    Reply

  6. sandy on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:35 pm

    7. well its about time..thank god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  7. w.randolph on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:36 pm

    8. i was in the process of writing jr. a letter and simply say just ‘Drive the Car” A message that should and willl wake him up….William

    Reply

  8. marcel on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:46 pm

    9. Next move JR. will dropping to nation wide series, or hi will be out of Hendricks stable alltogether.

    Reply

  9. Merri B on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:46 pm

    10. I believe it was the sole question that Hendricks is the sole problem. He has held back Eury Jr. and of course Dale,Jr. is trying to make the calls and you cannot have both. Good for Eury Jr. Hope he does better and shows them all. Dale, just drive you are still the number 88. Merri

    Reply

  10. Dee Kilpatrick on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:47 pm

    11. Dale Jr. will need to make ajustments to his mind and not the car for this to work. He has the talent if he can just let the old ideas go. Best of luck to you Dale Jr and crew..

    Reply

  11. Junior on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:50 pm

    12. now he just needs to get in the car and drive like he used too. If they don’t move, move them.

    Reply

  12. Mama Donia on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:51 pm

    13. I just hope it all works, but regardless, I am a Jr. fan and will remain one no matter what happens, like DW said Monday, Dale Jr. is one hell of a race car driver and you’ll are not gonna make me believe otherwise. Something was wrong somewhere, it was just not clicking like it should have, but also all drivers goes thru a slump sometimes during the time they drive a race car, look at a lot of drivers, Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, Dale Sr. and on and on. Jr., you were taught by the best, your Dad, now get out there and do what we all know you can. Love ya, Jr.

    Reply

  13. marian mcclain on Thu, 28th May 2009 6:52 pm

    14. Hoping that he has a good week with a new crew chief. Glad that Tony Junior still has a job.

    Reply

  14. Pauline Fickes on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:08 pm

    15. I think it was long over due,you just don’t work well with family.He will do better now and I will always support him. Go Jr.

    Reply

  15. Harriet on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:09 pm

    16. Lets give this some time and we’ll see who had a problem…..

    Reply

  16. Mike Coley on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:14 pm

    17. I’ll always be a Dale Jr fan, but sometimes you have to shutup and drive, get up on the wheel, loose or tight. It’s my understanding that with the COT that the setup can and does change in the matter of a few laps. Just stay out there and drive and see if the car comes to ya. Good luck Buddy.

    Reply

  17. Mama Donia on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:14 pm

    18. marian, the Eury Family are good people and I agree 1000%, I’m glad Tony, Jr. still has a job, people say what you want to, Rick Hendrick has a big heart and cares about his employees.

    Reply

  18. John Nauman on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:15 pm

    19. He can do it’ Forget about the BAR,

    Reply

  19. Mavis Rideout on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:17 pm

    20. I hope this works. I had feelings that it was the COT that was the problem and that Tony Jr didn’t completely get it. So I can’t see how putting a crew chief in that has never worked with that car will help at least in the short run. Perhaps in the long run when he becomes accustomed to the car it may help. Having the two engineers working with him should help but couldn’t they have used them to help Tony Eury Jr. I wish the two Jrs all the best with the changes.

    Reply

  20. Ignignokt on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:22 pm

    21. It was bound to happen . Eury Jr did not have a clue how to react to the changes in the track at Charlotte due to the environment . Dale Jr was sawing that wheel all day .
    I hope Jr will be a team player and LISTEN .

    Go 88 !!

    Reply

  21. regina on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:37 pm

    22. sad to see this happen but nothening lasts forever. the 88 car will do be so much better now. just drive it like u stole it

    Reply

  22. JAY RAY on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:41 pm

    23. I believe this was a good move , if JR. will let his new Crew Chief be a Crew Chief and work with him I think JR will be back on the Winning track, JR is a great driver and we should see a lot of difference in the weeks to come. Good for Rick Hendrick, and good luck to Tony Jr.

    GO DALE JR 88

    Reply

  23. kevin on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:47 pm

    24. Puts the pressure on Jr. Now he will have to prove to the Jr nation that he is what he says.Hope he shows us all,thaqt Tony is a better cousin than crew chief!

    Reply

  24. George on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:49 pm

    25. Will see what happen’s I do not think it was all Eury Jr. The driver has to take some of the blame for the poor showing>>Time will tell G O DALE Jr.

    Reply

  25. Helen on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:51 pm

    26. Go Jr. show everyone what you can do.Everyone knows that you are one of the best drvers out. If not the best. Will always be your fan.

    Reply

  26. Thelma on Thu, 28th May 2009 7:52 pm

    27. I am happy to see this change. It needed to be done last year. I think Brian will be good for Jr. and I hope he will listen. Maybe Rick needs to sit Jr. down and have a talk with him. Go Jr. We are behind you all the way.

    Reply

  27. Linda on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:01 pm

    28. about time.

    Reply

  28. Birddog on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:03 pm

    29. I thought at first that Rick Hendrick would fire Dale, Jr. but guess he will just give him one more chance ? Mr. Hendrick must know that Jr. is only good on large race tracks and is a mediocre driver on smaller tracks. I don`t see him doing any better than what he has already shown ?

    Reply

  29. Donna on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:03 pm

    30. Good luck to all involved in this change ..I think it will be for the better or are hoping ..all the best to the two Jr.’s going forward and hope everything works out ..

    Reply

  30. Jason on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:09 pm

    31. There defiantely needed to b some changes in the team. This may have not been the right move .. But Hendrick could of appointed someone to over see the team to evaluate what was going wrong and went from there.. I am still excited for the team and the next move should be to light a fire under Dales ass. babyfootin around the track does not win races…. He needs to Drive and deal with what he got train himself to drive a tight car or loose car and do his Job ….

    Reply

  31. Birddog on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:10 pm

    32. Oh, and by the way, i read in a magazine where a NASCAR reporter wrote that if Dale Jr.`s name had been Dale Smith, Jr. he would never once been voted most popular ? He also went on to say that Jr. needs to get out of the bar/night club business and stay sober especially before a race.

    Reply

  32. Shannon on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:13 pm

    33. FINALLY!!! I am glad something was done..I will support Dale Jr no matter what but I am ready for some wins!!!

    Reply

  33. MystriLi on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:22 pm

    34. I am all for Junior’s new crew chief. Somehow I doubt you know him or he told you anything. Just a though, instead of “talking” with him you might want to consider studying up on your English! Just a thought!

    Reply

  34. Nancy on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:24 pm

    35. I agree, something had to change. I’m so glad that Rick took over the reins! Now Jr., you drive like you are capable & hold your head up high! When interviewed remain your humble self but show confidence & look them in the eye. This “granny” is for you 100%. I BELIEVE IN JR.!

    Reply

  35. Peter Pfeifer on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:26 pm

    36. i think that jr should have had some say as to wether there should have been change in the crew team

    Reply

  36. tcbpat88 on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:28 pm

    37. OK I’m a BIG Jr. fan and always will be,Do you really think that Rick would ever let Jr. drive a car drunk or hung over? And Jr. no way he’s not perfect but he’s not a jurk. I do feel that it is both Jr.s.Have anyone of you ever worked with family as close as they do..its almost 24 hr’s a day at less 4 to 5 days a week. It cant be done!! Rick is a smart man and he will do what ever it takes to make this work. Jr. can drive and will show everyone soon he’s back! I cant wait to see that smile again!!!

    Reply

  37. UNKJIME/stlmo on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:32 pm

    38. Time will tell,…………………….
    Rick Henderick is a class act………..
    Dale can drive……………………..
    Tony jr.might pick up the COT with a little R&D
    ………THIS COULD BE FUN………..
    Whiskey River has not a thing to do with it….

    Reply

  38. Bev on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:34 pm

    39. Anybody that has been to a track and scanned conversations between Dale Jr. and Tony Jr. or listened to it on direct tv last year could hear that most of the time, dale jr. was begging tony jr to tell him what to do, tony jr was so indecisive it was hard to listen to. This year with missing the pit box so many times, that has crew chief all over it, drivers can’t see well enough through all the pit road distractions. I have never heard tony jr. count his driver into pits, a 3,2,1 would have been nice, seems to work for other drivers.Not to mention the week in and week out lack of proper set up ! …. Nice to see Rick Hendrick keep tony jr around. I think with these new crew chiefs it will be night and day. The Jr. Nation will RISE AGAIN !

    Reply

  39. gabe on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:40 pm

    40. “Familiarity breeds contempt,” His new Crew Chief isn’t likely to put up with the BS his cousin was taking from him. He’s liable to be told to “Shut up and drive!” And failing to do that, talent or not, It could well be the Nationwide, or Craftsman Truch Series. like a Major League Pitcher being sent to a triple A farm club, until he gets his duckies lined up.He won’t stay there Nascar needs him much too badly for that to happen…. Man, I wish his Daddy was here!!

    Reply

  40. harry kimmey on Thu, 28th May 2009 8:58 pm

    41. JR. IS TAKEN CARE OF NOW, SO LETS GET BACK TO BAD BUSH AND SLOW HIM DOWN AND SPEED JR.UP. WELL ALL IS WELL WITH THAT. NOW GET THOSE TICKETS DOWN AND REDUCE THE PAY OUT FOR DRIVERS. GM IS GOING TO TAKE A CUT AND MANY OTHER COMPANYS TO STAY IN BUSSINESS. ALL OF US HAVE TO GIVE A LITTLE AT THIS TIME. RACING IS NOTHING WITHOUT FANS. A LOT OF FANS HAVE WENT TO THE DIRT TRACKS AND GAVE UP NASCAR ,A LOT TO DO WITH BORRING RACES AND MONEY.

    Reply

  41. Glenn on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:02 pm

    42. I was about to go to my local t-shirt shop and have “SHUT UP AND DRIVE” attached to all my #88 shirts. Just kidding. Change is a good thing and I have to say overdue and should have the whole racing world in a frenzy. Or at least DW! Hendrick perhaps let the team of jr’s have just enough rope to hang themselves with.

    I for one will have to hold my expectations down a bit as new crew cheifs and crews take time to jell and I have a feeling most will want instant results. Good luck with that! I just pray junebug is compliant -vs- defiant.

    Reply

  42. terry on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:07 pm

    43. Yes, its time for a change. I thank Jr. should be the one to tell the crew chef what needs to be done with the car.. He’s inside the car he should know what it fills like and what needs to be done with it..

    Reply

  43. charlotte on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:27 pm

    44. we will pray jr does good with this change.let’s all support him as fans…jr needs to let the crew chief make the desions.

    Reply

  44. NASCAR FAN? on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:29 pm

    45. MY SON’S OLE CROSS COUNTRY SAYING—”IF YOU CAN DO BETTER THEN GOOD IS NOT ENOUGH”

    DALE JR. WILL GET-ER-DONE!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  45. Bob Wilson on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:34 pm

    46. Hot diggity dog. Now we’re gonna do some racing. Thank God and Rick Hendrick.

    Reply

  46. mamadew88 on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:43 pm

    47. I am so happy that Rick Hendrick has finally taken the steps to try and get our Junior up front where he belongs. He is the boss and calls the shots. Junior has to remember who signs his pay checks and now listen to another person who will be in charge in that garage and help him to win a few races. The COT is a loose car and Jr. has to drive “loose” or he will be lost. I think Tony Jr. has been with the setups fom the “old car” too long and that has been the problem for so long.
    We all want our Junior to start winning again so he can smile again. I do miss that grin of his……GO JUNIOR!!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  47. IIIJFULLER on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:52 pm

    48. Mr. Hendrick has made the right decision as usual. Dale Jr. now has some of the best persons in the racing industry to guide him to better himself as a race car driver. Jr. must listen and do what is asked of him by his crew. Jr. must rebuild his skill level as a race driver only. If Jr. wants to be a crew chief and thinks he know it all – then quit driving and become a crew chief. Tony Jr. will be fairly treated and hopefully enjoy his new position. Tony Jr. also will be thrilled to see Jr. begin to win races again. Go Dale Jr. – but listen to those who guide you.

    Reply

  48. linda on Thu, 28th May 2009 9:58 pm

    49. oh kevin Dale Jr doesn’t have to prove anything to JR Nation we are behind him and know what kind of a race car driver he is.. go 88

    Reply

  49. YaiYai on Thu, 28th May 2009 10:10 pm

    50. Oh by the way I think it wise not to listen to reporters that have no idea what they are talking about. Dale Jr has partners and managers and is not involved in daily operations, Dale Jr is so close mouthed about his personal life that the reporter is only speculating because that is what they do. I can guarantee you he has no quote by anyone directly in the now. That is how rumors get started. How about knowing that you have the fate of NASCAR on your shoulders. One or two wins would bring fans and excitement back. He has alot on him and its hard to focus with the eyes of racing bearing down on you. He is in a depression and its hard to focus. He may be able to and he may not. But I feel he is giving it his best shot and this may bring some positive excitement back in the #88 team. God knows they need it. No matter what Dale Jr. We’ll always love you Good Luck and Be Safe

    Reply

  50. mick on Thu, 28th May 2009 10:41 pm

    51. I just want to see Dale have a chance. It was like he was being sabotaged..I support any change!

    Reply

  51. Paul on Thu, 28th May 2009 10:41 pm

    52. Sorry to see Tony Jr. have to pay the price for little e’s inability to step up and DRIVE a race car…………….Tony Jr. did not miss all those set ups, time will tell but if the BOY can get his act together and DRIVE he can grow up to be a BIG E…………this weekend will tell a big story.

    Good Luck Tony Jr.

    Reply

  52. june patton on Thu, 28th May 2009 10:56 pm

    53. Why do you think because you own a bar that you are in it all the time? I’m sure Jr. has enough sense to let the managers do the job at the bar. I say look at the pit crew also, glad Tony,Jr. has a job. Will always be a Jr. fan, no matter what. Give “Little E” a chance with the new people on board, don’t expect a win right off the bat. go Jr. We love you

    Reply

  53. Tom Faggart on Thu, 28th May 2009 11:25 pm

    54. This is a good day. A good decision has been made that will help two people ..jr and Jr.. Rick knows what he is doing, and will fix this problem. Junior is an excellent driver. Anyone watching on TV could see how unstable his car was. He has the will to win. Now he will have a car that can win, and not run for 5th place last year, and 15th place this year. I know Junior can win right away with a car capable of winning. Go Junior!

    Reply

  54. Katherine on Thu, 28th May 2009 11:27 pm

    55. I just want to thank Mr Hendrick, and to ask Dale Jr for his help with the new people, it maybe a little different at first but you cando it you had the best driver in the world to me to show you the road,so make me happy an win one for me before the 24th of june my 57th brithday. Sorry about Tony,Jr but you can make it just work with the guys and drive like you dad showed you.

    Reply

  55. Norm Heseltine sr on Thu, 28th May 2009 11:40 pm

    56. IF AS YOU ALL SAY THAT JR. HAS A BAR –WELL I FOR ONE QUIT DRINKING OVER 30 YRS AGO AND MY MIND CLEARED ITSELF FROM THAT BAD YES BAD BOOSE. JR RACE MAN GIVE THE BAR TO SOMEONE YOU “TRUST” AND GET ON WITH RACONG . THE OLD DAYS OF BOOSE AND RACING AE GONE EVEN THO WE HEAR THE ANOUNCERS TELL OF PARTYING I DON’T FEEL THE DRIVERS NED TO STOP TO BOOSE TO CELIBRATE — LOOK AT MR GORDON –MILK FOR TOASTINGS ETC, AND IT DID;Nt HURT HIM!!!!!!
    GO HENDRICKS BOYS GO!!!!!!!!

    Reply

  56. Goldie on Thu, 28th May 2009 11:43 pm

    57. I am thrilled to know that Jr. “has just been handed all the resources Hendrick Motorsport has to offer”. Sometimes it is definitely not a good idea to work with your relatives. I think Jr. will find a new incentive by this move and probably communicate a lot better with someone new and show everyone that he is truly the race driver we all know he can be. Go get em, Jr.

    Reply

  57. BJ on Thu, 28th May 2009 11:52 pm

    58. First of all: Mick, I totally agree with you. And Paul, when are you and others going to get it through you thick skulls that Big “E” is long gone. We will always love and remember him but let Jr. be his own man and let Big “E” rest in peace.

    June, you are totally right. Just because someone owns a bar doesn’t mean he’s there all the time or that he’s always intoxicated. Where does all this gossip come from?

    I believe in Jr. and we all need to give him time to adjust to all the changes. Hendrick has finally come through for him and I think Jr. will make all of his real fans proud.

    Sock it to them Jr!!!!!

    Reply

  58. billy brinson on Fri, 29th May 2009 1:34 am

    59. wow,,,k jr ,this is a whole new start in life,keep your head up and think positive ,stay focus,,i think this is what we needed to get back on track,,,good luck buddy and lets go getm,cant wait for a WIN

    Reply

  59. Charlotte on Fri, 29th May 2009 1:39 am

    60. Jr not the only driver in Nascar that drinks.If any of us have gone though what Jr has in past couple of years we would do more than that.So stop picking on him.Let the boy drive.

    Reply

  60. karen on Fri, 29th May 2009 3:01 am

    61. OK. You all have great comments – except – for the bar and the drinking.
    Now. Did you follow him around to see how often he went to his bar and how much he drank?
    I d–o–n–’–t t–h–i–n–k–s–o.

    Have you not heard Rusty and Kasey and Kurt say ‘we’ll have a few beers and celebrate!’

    Give this some serious thought… you may have to roll it around in your brain like I did.

    HE SHOULD BE AT DEI! The company his Daddy worked so hard for his kids!

    Of course maybe this week end will show positive results with new crew chief – and – possibly remind Jr. that Hendrick CAN let him go.

    I still keep going back to the ‘under handed’ way Teresa handled EVERYTHING plus, of course, she stabbed him in the back then TURNED the knife.

    Can’t believe it’s Friday already. Monster Mile. All eyes, we know now will be on Jr.

    Only problem – SHE IS SITTING BACK GLOATING!!!

    Meet you back here after the week ends racing.

    And all three divisions are good. I know it’s not covered here because it’s a Jr. site, but do you all like TRUCKS? I love “We don’t play nice.”

    Maybe if there are other sites where they do talk about the other divisions and drivers, you might let me know so I can meet you ‘over there.’

    Have Fun.

    Reply

  61. Edward J Rogers Jr on Fri, 29th May 2009 8:06 am

    62. It’s about time DaleJr got A new crew chief!! Now WE WILL SEE DALEJR WIN SOME RACES AND CAR SET UPS WILL BE BETTER AND OR THE SAME AS HIS TEAM MATES!! HOPE WE WILL SEE ALL FOUR HENDRICKS CARS IN THE TOP FIVE!!!

    Reply

  62. Ed on Fri, 29th May 2009 8:22 am

    63. Hey Bird Dog
    Maybe you should check stats. Jr is best on short tracks

    Reply

  63. Randy King on Fri, 29th May 2009 8:27 am

    64. By harold on May 28, 2009 | Reply

    best news i have heard since jr. moved to henderick.

    —–
    as jr fan, It’s about time Hendrick did something.. but i’ll NEVER be a hendrick fan

    Reply

  64. Donna on Fri, 29th May 2009 8:38 am

    65. i agree with you 100%!!!!

    Reply

  65. Skip on Fri, 29th May 2009 8:50 am

    66. Like all other Sr. fans I was waiting for Jr. to grow a Mustache and put on the Mirrored sunglasses and come out drivin’ the Black #3 but that ain’t gonna happen. Wish he would have stayed at D.E.I. but maybe change is good ,it won’t happen overnite but lets give them a chance !
    Feb.2001 The day that racin’died !

    Reply

  66. Penny on Fri, 29th May 2009 9:05 am

    67. Well as a Jr. Fan, sometimes change is good. There is nothing bad to say about Tony Jr. He did what he could. But maybe change will work and the car can get better, but all this talk about his bar, that is ridiculous. As a man he is allowed to have other interests despite what some of you think. He is not a drunk and so what if he has a drink or two, who dosen’t. Just concentrate on his driving and leave his private life alone as that does not concern anyone. Best of luck Jr. You will pull this out and you will never lose your fans. Take care and good luck this week.

    Reply

  67. cookie on Fri, 29th May 2009 9:08 am

    68. I am really upset over the fact that you people will say anything to cut up Jr. Why is it always him? Just because a person makes a success of his life, does not make him a drunk . Are you telling me that Jr. is the only driver that has a beer? If you would listen to him, for once, he has people running his bar and other assets. I wish you would all try to remember that he has feelings also. How would you like to hear this crap about yourself? How would you feel? I truly believe he is so private about himself because the news media exaggerates and adds their own version of what he says. I believe the media enjoys stirring things up, I know I can’t talk to Jr direct but if I could, I would tell him to race the car and let the crew do their job. Anyone who is a fan knows that he is a good kid and doesn’t deserve all the hassle.

    Reply

  68. L.West on Fri, 29th May 2009 9:24 am

    69. Hurray!!! Looking forward to Jr.in the winners circle. Also, glad that Tony E. will still be employed.

    Thank you Rick H.

    Reply

  69. L.West on Fri, 29th May 2009 9:35 am

    70. Jr. Best advice for life and racing FOCUS, focus on what you are doing at that time and you can’t go wrong. Have someone put the word FOCUS some where on the dash board where you can see it. Best to you. Bring em home Jr.

    Reply

  70. Deborah on Fri, 29th May 2009 10:34 am

    71. Jr will win when it is time for Jr to win.Its a good thing we can only write what we think and not tell him what to do .He would NEVER win a race if he listened to all of this junk.
    GO JR GO

    Reply

  71. tcbpat88 on Fri, 29th May 2009 10:41 am

    72. BEV, Right on I tell the guys at work that all the time,no count down like the other crew chiefs to there drivers. Jr has a lot to look for cars coming in, car pitting, leaveing there pits,pit crews. He hasnt been the only one to do that same thing. I pray this works ,it will take some time but God welling it will work.

    Reply

  72. BEVERLY on Fri, 29th May 2009 11:10 am

    73. GO DALE SHOW THEM ALL YOU CAN BE BACK UP FRONT WHERE YOU SHOULD BE.
    I AM A JR FAN AND ALWAYS WILL BE.MY PT CRUISE IS A DALE JR CAR FROM MY FLOOR MATS TO MY PLATES ON MY PT TO 88 ON MY WINDOWS.YOU CAN DO 2 THINGS AT A TIME, SHOW THEM ALL DALE. BACK TO THE FRONT YOU GO.
    THINS DID NEED TO CHANGE AND SOME SAY FAMILY JUST CANT WORK TOGETHER,BUT YOU STILL CARE FOR THEM.SEE YOU AT THE FINISH LINE,GO DALE JR.
    WAITING TO HEAR HER HE COMES AT TURN FOUR AND ITS DALE JR WINNING THIS RACE!!!!!!!!!!1

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  73. Kim on Fri, 29th May 2009 11:24 am

    74. I love Dale Jr and always have, but I am glad Mr. Hendrick did what he did. It’s about time, Dale was just not going any where and to me as a very deadicated fan that is a big disappointment when the driver you love isn’t performing well on the track.
    Please don’t take it personally Dale I still love you but please let Mr. Hendrick make the call so your career can take off again.
    Love you Dale hope to see you at the finish line. You make a lot of wins now due to the change you have a place close to my heart and there will be a heart and the number 88 tatooed on my upper left arm close to my heart.

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  74. Melodie on Fri, 29th May 2009 11:35 am

    75. LETS GO RACIN!!!! Go Dale

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  75. Mike Coley on Fri, 29th May 2009 11:53 am

    76. Bird dog, what rock did you crawl out from under? Hemdrick fire Jr? You sure aren’t the sharpest pencil in the box.

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  76. Shamrock on Fri, 29th May 2009 12:27 pm

    77. I still th[nk T. Eury Sr. should be Little Es. Crew chief!

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  77. BT on Fri, 29th May 2009 12:59 pm

    78. Regardless of this move we all know something had to be done.Both Jr’s. have to step up there game so Dale is not not on the hot seat or spot light because he was already there to start with.

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  78. Debbie Gahagan on Fri, 29th May 2009 5:04 pm

    79. I AM A FAN OF DALE JR, AND NOT BECAUSE OF WHO HIS FATHER WAS. WHEN I WATCH NASCAR, AND SEE DALE FINISH SO POORLY, MY HEART BLEEDS FOR HIM. I PRAY THIS CHANGE IS A BLESSING FOR BOTH DALE AND TONY! RICK HENDRICK APPEARS TO HAVE A HEART OF GOLD, AND WANTS THE BEST FOR ALL INVOLVED. THE GOSSIP THAT GOES ON IN ALL OF THESE COMMENTS OFFENDS ME AS A NASCAR FAN! I PRAY DALE JR HAS A GOOD RACE THIS WEEKEND AND EVENTUALLY ADJUSTS WELL TO THE CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE! BE SAFE JR AND GOD BLESS YOU !!

    Reply

  79. Kyle Busch — Never Junior | RacingWin on Fri, 29th May 2009 6:44 pm

    80. [...] the NASCAR world you can’t escape the topic of Dale  Earnhardt Jr and his new crew chief. Kyle Busch was no exception. Busch is taking shots at Dale Jr. Here’s what he had to say [...]

  80. Birddog on Fri, 29th May 2009 11:41 pm

    81. Hey folks; how about forgetting Kyle Busch and Dale, Jr. and take out all your frustration against the NAACP. It is all over the national news today that the NAACP is demanding that NASCAR ban all Confederate flags from NASCAR races. In other words the NAACP does not want fans to be able to bring the flag to races. You can bet they will take it to Federal court and somee weak a.. Judge will side with the NAACP ? Make your voice heard loud and clear. Tell everyone you know to bring the Confedrate flag to all the remaining races.

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  81. karen on Sat, 30th May 2009 3:16 am

    82. COOKIE!!! YOU TELL THEM, DARLIN’!!!

    Hey you all – you’ve been told!!

    Birddog I did not understand when I heard rumblings about ‘flags’. Free Speech? Free Country? Hmmmm…Guess I’ll have to re-consider FREEDOM, eh?

    I suppose you all have started a Kyle Busch opinions, so I’ll check it out.
    You all know my opinion.
    I strongly suggest that ‘boy’ cause he’s not a man, get himself some full time security.

    I’ll check for a ‘kyle’ opinion.

    Reply

  82. Gail on Sat, 30th May 2009 3:23 am

    83. OK Let’s see here — Another crew chief, different set up in the car (same as the other cars) — 1st practice – 25th fastest. Qualifying – 22nd. Yeah – it looks like that was the answer – removing Eury. lol – Maybe it IS the driver!!!! Think about it!!

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  83. Ruth on Sat, 30th May 2009 9:12 am

    84. I have been saying for a while that a change was needed. I am a big Dale Jr. fan and know that change is hard but is needed for improvement.

    Reply

  84. BABS on Sat, 30th May 2009 3:39 pm

    85. If you have a frustrated driver and crew chief for most of the year, why wait so long to make a change; surely Mr. Hendrick could see this before now..now everyone will expect Jr. to hit the track and win races..it’s not easy changes horses in mid-stream..and thanks to jr. for being the humble person he is to admit part of the problem lies with him…I wish the whole team good luck…to me, without a whole team working together, nothing will work.

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  85. brownie on Sat, 30th May 2009 11:05 pm

    86. I agree!!!!

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  86. barbara on Sun, 31st May 2009 11:48 am

    87. I FEEL VERY CONFIDENT THAT THE WHOLE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE CREW CHIEF. TOOOOOO MUCH FAMILY CAN CAUSE A LOT OF HEADACHE, ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE (WHO IS WE SHOULD SAY A LITTLE MORE IN CONTROL OF THE WAY THE CAR IS RUN)WON’T LISTEN TO THE OTHER. MR HENDRICKS HAS A GREAT TEAM, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS EURY DIDN’T WANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE OTHER TEAMS. THE RACE I WATCHED AND HAD ACCESS TO THE IN-CAR THING, TONI MADE JR GO COMPLETELY ANOTHER LAP BEFORE HE BROUGHT HIM IN, JR WAS RIGHT AT THE GATEWAY TO PIT ROAD AND EURY DIDN’T LISTEN, SOMETIMES IT TAKES BOTH DRIVER AND CREW CHIEF OR LET’S SAY A WORD FROM THE PIT CREW TO MAKE THINGS BETTER. I LOVE JR, WHO IS MY FAVOITE, BUT I ALSO LIKE JIMMIE JOHNSON, JEFF IS ALRIGHT, BUT MY PROBLEM WITH JEFF WAS I TOOK MY GRANDSON TO SEE HIM AND HE WAS SO SNOBBY, HE DIDN’T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE HIM OR ANY OTHER CHILD THERE.
    THE NEXT THING IS THIS, THERE WILL NEVER, EVER BE ANOTHER SR, THEY DON’T ALLOW HIS KIND OF DRIVING, ONLY WHEN IT IS GIBBS RACING. KYLE WOULD SURELY GET A RUDE AWAKENING IF SR WAS STILL DRIVING. ALSO, I DO NOT HAVE ANY RESPECT FOR GIBBS, HE TOLD NFL HE WAS LEAVING BECAUSE OF HIS GRANDSON, WHICH I HOPE THE CHILD IS ALRIGHT. BUT THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS HE WENT BACK TO FOOTBALL FOR THE MONEY, AND PUT IT IN HIS RACING TEAM.NOW IF NASCAR WAS ON THE UP AND UP WITH THINGS THEY WOULD GO OVER HIS TOYOTA’S WITH A FINE TOOTH COMB, BUT THEY AREN’T GOING TO DO THAT, BECAUSE THEY DON’T WANT TO HEAR THEM CRY, BOOHOO,BOOHOO.
    MR HENDRICK IS A GREAT PERSON AND HE WANTED TO BE SURE OF HIS DECISION, WHICH IS UNDERSTANDABLE. BUT LIKE I’VE SAID BEFORE, IF I HAD A RACE TEAM, MY MAN WOULD BE KNAUS, LOVE YOU BABE.
    AS FAR AS TERESA IS CONCERNED SHE SHOULD HAVE SOLD OUT A LONG TIME AGO, SHE WAS ONLY GOOD FOR MERCHANDISING SR, NOTHING ELSE. APPARENTLY SOME OF YOU DON’T READ, OR SEE, THAT SHE AND HER DAUGHTER OR SELLING EVERYTHING THAT WAS ONCE SR’S, THAT INDICATES TO ME THAT SHE DESPARATELY NEEDS MONEY, AND WHO DOESN’T??????
    BUT IF SHE WAS AS TRUE TO HIM (SR) AS SHE TRIES TO MAKE OUT, SHE WOULD PUT THE EIGHT(8) IN THE MUSEUM AND SOMEONE FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE, PERFERABLY JR’S GRANDMOTHER PUT A MOVIE TO THE NUMBER. TERESA AND HER KID ARE GREEDY.
    JR CAN’T BE LIKE HIS DAD ON THE TRACK BECAUSE THEY WANT TO FINE HIM FOR EVERYTHING.LIKE THE TIME WHEN HE WON, HE WAS SO EXCITED HE SAID “SHIT” EXCUSE ME BUT I KNOW A LOT OF RACE FANS AND THEY USE WORSE LANGUAGE THAN THAT, ALSO SOME KIDS. I LOVE JR’S ADVERTISEMENT WITH MY BOY PEYTON MANNING FOR FOOTBALL, GO CHICKEN GO, LORD HAVE MERCY IF THAT CHICKEN GOT A HOLD OF DIGGER????!!!!!!!
    I HATE WHEN PEOPLE MENTION SR’S NAME IN THE SAME SENTENCE AS KYLE, THERE IS NO, NO, NO, WAY
    HE WILL EVER MEASURE UP TO HIM. YES, HE HAD AN ATTITUDE WHEN THINGS WENT WRONG BUT SO WOULD YOU. SO BE QUIET. grammy 67

    Reply

  87. Maureen on Tue, 2nd Jun 2009 11:38 am

    88. Yes, this is certainly worth a try. We all love and want the best for our Dale Jr.

    Reply

  88. Maureen on Tue, 2nd Jun 2009 4:34 pm

    89. We all want Jr to have what Jimmie John had Sunday at Dover. Other crew chiefs need lessons from Chad Knaus……..he’s phenomenal! Jimmie John listens to his crew chief…….all the way…….never interfers.

    Reply

  89. Diane on Wed, 3rd Jun 2009 12:43 pm

    90. Remember each Sunday, when the #3 car (and driver) was the one we loved to hate (in a good way). Though we might not have been a Dale Sr. fan, we still respected him. He is missed by all of us, most of all Jr. BUT, when are the fans and Nascar going to stop making exceptions and excuses for a driver who just isn’t and will never measure up to his daddy? What other driver gets TV coverage when he’s in mid or at the back of the pack? Get over it, JR ain’t SR, period–end of story.

    Reply

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