Didn't want you to think I had vanished now that the season is over, however I did find out that Junior is going to be in New York City on Dec. 4th. Here's the article....
Macy’s celebrates NASCAR’s Champions Week with Dale Jr. and Godinger Silver Company
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr., five-time Most Popular Driver of NASCAR will be at Macy’s in New York City on December 4th to meet and greet with fans and support the new Godinger NASCAR collection line of crystal and silver gifts and barware. The line of products features both the #88 National Guard and #88 Amp cars driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr in 2008.
To have the opportunity to meet Dale Jr, fans can be one of the first 100 customers to purchase $150 or more of the NASCAR Collection beginning at the store opening on December 4th for the chance to have your picture taken with the 18-time race winner. Or be one of the first 50 customers to purchase $75 or more to qualify for a signed autograph photo of Dale Jr.
That’s Thursday, December 4 at 5:00pm at Macy’s Herald Square, in the Crystal Dept. on 8 during Champions Week in New York City.
Visit www.Macys.com or www.Godinger.com.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Season Review: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Year number one of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s much-celebrated move to Hendrick Motorsports looked a lot like his 2006 season at DEI.
Earnhardt did win a race in 2008 and made the Chase, but didn't challenge for as many victories and the championship as some had predicted.
However, Junior looks back at his first year as a member of the Hendrick stable as successful.
"I was super excited about the way the season was going to start," Earnhardt said. "I couldn't wait to get to work earlier this year. It was a long year, we worked really hard. It went good sometimes, sometimes it went poorly. For the most part I was real proud of just getting the season in the bank and getting done and looking forward to next year. I am really happy to be with Rick (Hendrick) and working with the guys I am working with."
Earnhardt did begin the year as one of the most consistent drivers on the series and remained in the top five of the point standings for the first half.
But things started to level off and by the time the Chase started, the solid finishes Earnhardt was enjoying at the beginning of 2008 began to fade.
"I need to do a little bit better in the summer," Earnhardt said looking back. "There are a bunch of tracks that are backed up there in the summer that we just don't run good at. I need to work on my string of races there at about the 5/8 mark of the season.”
Earnhardt is already looking ahead to season number two with Hendrick but is particularly pleased with NASCAR's decision to ban off-season testing as a means of saving teams money.
"I am happy about that," he said. "I am really looking forward to that happening. I think it is a great choice. It is going to save each individual team, like the No. 5 car, the No. 24 car about a million and half dollars a year so it is a great move."
As for the off-season, Earnhardt has plans to keep himself busy. He will have an early start to it, as he won't be attending the NASCAR Championship Banquet in New York. Only the top 10 teams are being honored at the banquet.
"I am going to take my family somewhere," he smiled. "Then I am just going to stay home. I am taking my uncles, Robert and Jimmy Gee hunting right up to Christmas Eve. New Year's, I might go watch the street stock race at Rockingham. Just might."
Earnhardt did win a race in 2008 and made the Chase, but didn't challenge for as many victories and the championship as some had predicted.
However, Junior looks back at his first year as a member of the Hendrick stable as successful.
"I was super excited about the way the season was going to start," Earnhardt said. "I couldn't wait to get to work earlier this year. It was a long year, we worked really hard. It went good sometimes, sometimes it went poorly. For the most part I was real proud of just getting the season in the bank and getting done and looking forward to next year. I am really happy to be with Rick (Hendrick) and working with the guys I am working with."
Earnhardt did begin the year as one of the most consistent drivers on the series and remained in the top five of the point standings for the first half.
But things started to level off and by the time the Chase started, the solid finishes Earnhardt was enjoying at the beginning of 2008 began to fade.
"I need to do a little bit better in the summer," Earnhardt said looking back. "There are a bunch of tracks that are backed up there in the summer that we just don't run good at. I need to work on my string of races there at about the 5/8 mark of the season.”
Earnhardt is already looking ahead to season number two with Hendrick but is particularly pleased with NASCAR's decision to ban off-season testing as a means of saving teams money.
"I am happy about that," he said. "I am really looking forward to that happening. I think it is a great choice. It is going to save each individual team, like the No. 5 car, the No. 24 car about a million and half dollars a year so it is a great move."
As for the off-season, Earnhardt has plans to keep himself busy. He will have an early start to it, as he won't be attending the NASCAR Championship Banquet in New York. Only the top 10 teams are being honored at the banquet.
"I am going to take my family somewhere," he smiled. "Then I am just going to stay home. I am taking my uncles, Robert and Jimmy Gee hunting right up to Christmas Eve. New Year's, I might go watch the street stock race at Rockingham. Just might."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Hendrick: Chase gremlins got the best of Earnhardt
By David Newton
CONCORD, N.C. -- Rick Hendrick got on his radio prior to the first of the Sprint Cup's 10-race playoff and told Dale Earnhardt Jr. he had what it took to be holding the championship trophy after the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
One of Hendrick's drivers indeed held the trophy on Sunday in South Florida, but it was Jimmie Johnson.
Earnhardt? He finished last among the 12 drivers, meaning he won't make the trip to New York City for the season-ending banquet reserved for the top 10.
"I'm disappointed," Hendrick said on Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "I felt like we were so good early on. We just had tremendous little gremlins bite us, from tire problems to things you just can't control.
"All of those things that happened to him could have happened to Jimmie Johnson. He could be fifth in the points and Jimmie could be third in the points."
Earnhardt had eight top-5s and 12 top-10s during the first 26 races and entered the Chase fourth in points. He had only two top-5s and three top-10s in the final 10, finishing a whopping 557 points behind Johnson.
The consistency Earnhardt had early in the season was nowhere to be found in the Chase. NASCAR's most popular driver finished worse than 15th only twice in the first 15 races. He was 20th or worse in five of the final nine races, and he finished on the lead lap only four times in the final 10 races, failing to finish at Talladega (crash) and Homestead (wheel bearing).
"Racing luck has got a lot to do with it," Hendrick said. "When we look back at the year and at what he's accomplished and how he's fit into our organization and how happy he is and Tony [Eury Jr.] is, we're going to go to work to make it better for next year.
"That's the good news -- there is next year."
Hendrick already is busy trying to make next year better. He took a brief break from meetings on Tuesday to attend the rookie of the year luncheon at LMS in which Landon Cassill took home the Nationwide Series Award.
Then it was back to meet Mark Martin, who will take over the No. 5 car in 2009 and share the same shop with Earnhardt.
"Mark Martin being there is going to help us, help us a lot," Hendrick said of the 49-year-old driver who has finished second in the championship standings four times. "Mark is a great example of dedication and determination. His enthusiasm gets me excited."
Earnhardt was excited about his chances of winning the title his dad won seven times. "I was super excited about the way the season was going," he said prior to Sunday's 41st-place finish. "I couldn't wait to get to work earlier this year. It was a long year, we worked really hard. It went good sometimes, sometimes it went poorly. For the most part I was real proud of just getting the season in the bank and getting done and looking forward to next year.
"I am really happy to be with Rick and working with the guys I am working with."
Expectations may have been too high for the driver who arguably has higher expectations than anybody in the garage.
"There's no way you can put a team together in their first year and they be as good as [Johnson's] team because they've been together," Hendrick said. "That's the chemistry that is going to get better on Dale Jr.'s side.
"Hopefully, Junior might get his first championship next year. Who knows?"
CONCORD, N.C. -- Rick Hendrick got on his radio prior to the first of the Sprint Cup's 10-race playoff and told Dale Earnhardt Jr. he had what it took to be holding the championship trophy after the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
One of Hendrick's drivers indeed held the trophy on Sunday in South Florida, but it was Jimmie Johnson.
It was that kind of season for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who started the Chase in fourth place but finished it in 12th.
"I'm disappointed," Hendrick said on Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "I felt like we were so good early on. We just had tremendous little gremlins bite us, from tire problems to things you just can't control.
"All of those things that happened to him could have happened to Jimmie Johnson. He could be fifth in the points and Jimmie could be third in the points."
Earnhardt had eight top-5s and 12 top-10s during the first 26 races and entered the Chase fourth in points. He had only two top-5s and three top-10s in the final 10, finishing a whopping 557 points behind Johnson.
The consistency Earnhardt had early in the season was nowhere to be found in the Chase. NASCAR's most popular driver finished worse than 15th only twice in the first 15 races. He was 20th or worse in five of the final nine races, and he finished on the lead lap only four times in the final 10 races, failing to finish at Talladega (crash) and Homestead (wheel bearing).
"Racing luck has got a lot to do with it," Hendrick said. "When we look back at the year and at what he's accomplished and how he's fit into our organization and how happy he is and Tony [Eury Jr.] is, we're going to go to work to make it better for next year.
"That's the good news -- there is next year."
Hendrick already is busy trying to make next year better. He took a brief break from meetings on Tuesday to attend the rookie of the year luncheon at LMS in which Landon Cassill took home the Nationwide Series Award.
Then it was back to meet Mark Martin, who will take over the No. 5 car in 2009 and share the same shop with Earnhardt.
"Mark Martin being there is going to help us, help us a lot," Hendrick said of the 49-year-old driver who has finished second in the championship standings four times. "Mark is a great example of dedication and determination. His enthusiasm gets me excited."
Earnhardt was excited about his chances of winning the title his dad won seven times. "I was super excited about the way the season was going," he said prior to Sunday's 41st-place finish. "I couldn't wait to get to work earlier this year. It was a long year, we worked really hard. It went good sometimes, sometimes it went poorly. For the most part I was real proud of just getting the season in the bank and getting done and looking forward to next year.
"I am really happy to be with Rick and working with the guys I am working with."
Expectations may have been too high for the driver who arguably has higher expectations than anybody in the garage.
"There's no way you can put a team together in their first year and they be as good as [Johnson's] team because they've been together," Hendrick said. "That's the chemistry that is going to get better on Dale Jr.'s side.
"Hopefully, Junior might get his first championship next year. Who knows?"
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Headlines
I'm gonna try my best to keep up with the headlines during the off season. I think mostly what I'll be posting is videos I find on Youtube or I found a new site tonight that I'm gonna check back on a few more times. Anyway, most of the headlines this weekend dealed with how Dale Jr feels about the DEI/Ganassi merger. Here's what he had to say about that.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. supports DEI merger with Ganassi Racing
Dale Earnhardt Jr. falls victim to parts failure in Cup season finale
SEMA: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Big Red Truck
Dale Earnhardt Jr. supports DEI merger with Ganassi Racing
Dale Earnhardt Jr. falls victim to parts failure in Cup season finale
SEMA: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Big Red Truck
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Congrats to all the Champions this weekend.
Congrats to Jimmie, he has made history and anyone who says he doesn't deserve to be in the history books with Cale isn't a real NASCAR fan.
Congrats to Clint Bowyer on winning the Nationwide Championship, he beat Carl Edwards by 21 points.
Congrats to Johnny Benson for holding off Ron Hornaday and winning the Championship, Johnny beat Ron by 7 points.
As for our Junebug, he came in for a last pit stop and felt something break under the hood, he came back in and went back to the garage and had his 2nd DNF for the season. He finished 41st and ended the season 12th in points. There is always the Favorite Driver Award, which he has won 5 times. Keep voting, I'll let you know when that will televised.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
So much to tell, and three days to tell it....
Yes I know that I usually post the qualifying position for Junior, but with all that's going on this weekend, and how close all three races are (or were) I'm going to wait until after the Championship race tomorrow to post all the results. Ok, Junior qualified 22th, which I know isn't good, but that's because he had a bad draw and went out early.
I'm not sure if it's official yet, and if it is, NASCAR.com hasn't reported it yet, but anyway....
to Landon Cassill on winning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award!!!!!! I found this article, and because it's pretty short, I'll just post the whole thing here.
Nationwide Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year is Landon Cassill
From what I am hearing, and they talked about it during the race tonight, the 5 car will remain at JRM (and I hope I'm getting this right), however it won't run the full season, as of now, the car is going to be entered in at least 7 races. So there's a bit of good news for the #5 car.
Like I said, once the race is over tomorrow night, I will post the results from all three races, as well as who won the three championships.
I'm not sure if it's official yet, and if it is, NASCAR.com hasn't reported it yet, but anyway....
to Landon Cassill on winning the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award!!!!!! I found this article, and because it's pretty short, I'll just post the whole thing here.Nationwide Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year is Landon Cassill
Kyle Ocker, FanZone Sports
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Landon Cassill was the winner of the Nationwide Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year award for 2008. Cassill, 19 of Fairfax, Iowa, has run 26 races in his career, with 20 races this year. He achieved his highest finish of sixth place twice, at Gateway and Phoenix last weekend.
“I’m just really proud of everybody, my whole team, for working so hard for me this year,” said Cassill on winning the Rookie of the Year award. “I ran a limited schedule, and I had some really good races, and at times it didn’t look so good, and at times it looked great. You know, it was a real compliment to me, and it was flattering when we went to Phoenix, and all my guys knew it was my last race, and their focus was getting me the finish I needed. You know, I can’t thank them enough for that, for being that focused on winning Rookie of the Year.
“My guys, National Guard, supported me all year, Dale, Jr. who owns my car and the team, and it’s an honor, and I hope I’m a good rookie.”
Cassill raced in all but 3 of his 20 races this season in the No. 5 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. He ran in the No. 4 at Mexico City, Infineon, and Watkins Glen.
“He did a good job for the most part of the year,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr. about Landon winning the Rookie of the Year award. “He got the finishes he needed to win. He had some pretty good competition, I think Brian (Clauson) and he got some really good finishes at parts of the year and showed a lot of good showed he’s got a lot of talent.”
From what I am hearing, and they talked about it during the race tonight, the 5 car will remain at JRM (and I hope I'm getting this right), however it won't run the full season, as of now, the car is going to be entered in at least 7 races. So there's a bit of good news for the #5 car.
Like I said, once the race is over tomorrow night, I will post the results from all three races, as well as who won the three championships.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
DEI and Ganassi Racing will merge teams in 2009
Ok, I know that Junebug isn't with DEI anymore, and that's water under the bridge and all, however, Junior has never said a bad word about Teresa and considering that this blog is about him and his last name is Earnhardt (like you didn't know that already), I thought I'd post this article that I found on NASCAR.com
MIAMI -- Teresa Earnhardt and Chip Ganassi will combine their slumping race teams next season, an effort to stabilize their organizations in a tough economic time.
The combined team will be called Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Martin Truex Jr. and Juan
Montoya will drive the Nos. 1 and 42 and Aric Almirola will be behind the wheel of the No. 8. The driver of the No. 41 has not been named.
Truex Jr.
Both organizations have struggled to secure sponsorship this season, forcing the teams to pool resources.
"In this ultra-competitive era of NASCAR, it is necessary to build and sustain the strongest team possible and our combining with the people and equipment at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will help create a strong four-car program for years to come," Chip Ganassi said in a statement released by the team. "This is a win-win for both organizations as well as all of our partners."
Truex and Almirola will come from Dale Earnhardt Inc.; only Truex's car has full sponsorship for next season.
Montoya has half a season of sponsorship, and Ganassi's flagship No. 41 car has full sponsorship.
DEI fields Chevrolets, and Ganassi has a Dodge contract. Details of a manufacturer switch still are being worked out as the team is expected to use General Motors.
"Having a partner like Chip, who is heavily involved on the competition side of the business, is an ideal situation for DEI," Teresa Earnhardt said. "He has a long history of managing championship teams in the IndyCar and Rolex Grand-Am Series and I share his passion and goals of winning races and ultimately championships in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. I think this is a case where we are stronger together than we are apart."
DEI is losing the Menard's sponsorship on its No. 15 Chevrolet. Driver Paul Menard is leaving the organization to drive a third car for Yates Racing in 2009.
Ganassi shuttled the No. 40 Dodge of Dario Franchitti earlier this year, and longtime driver Reed Sorenson is leaving the No. 41 to drive for Gillett Evernham Racing next year.
The teams' drivers have combined for 210 starts this year and have zero wins, 11 top-five finishes and 28 top-10s.
DEI has only three wins in the past four seasons, while Ganassi drivers have four wins since 2002.
MIAMI -- Teresa Earnhardt and Chip Ganassi will combine their slumping race teams next season, an effort to stabilize their organizations in a tough economic time.
The combined team will be called Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Martin Truex Jr. and Juan
Montoya will drive the Nos. 1 and 42 and Aric Almirola will be behind the wheel of the No. 8. The driver of the No. 41 has not been named.
Truex Jr.
Both organizations have struggled to secure sponsorship this season, forcing the teams to pool resources.
"In this ultra-competitive era of NASCAR, it is necessary to build and sustain the strongest team possible and our combining with the people and equipment at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will help create a strong four-car program for years to come," Chip Ganassi said in a statement released by the team. "This is a win-win for both organizations as well as all of our partners."
Truex and Almirola will come from Dale Earnhardt Inc.; only Truex's car has full sponsorship for next season.
Montoya has half a season of sponsorship, and Ganassi's flagship No. 41 car has full sponsorship.
DEI fields Chevrolets, and Ganassi has a Dodge contract. Details of a manufacturer switch still are being worked out as the team is expected to use General Motors.
"Having a partner like Chip, who is heavily involved on the competition side of the business, is an ideal situation for DEI," Teresa Earnhardt said. "He has a long history of managing championship teams in the IndyCar and Rolex Grand-Am Series and I share his passion and goals of winning races and ultimately championships in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. I think this is a case where we are stronger together than we are apart."
DEI is losing the Menard's sponsorship on its No. 15 Chevrolet. Driver Paul Menard is leaving the organization to drive a third car for Yates Racing in 2009.
Ganassi shuttled the No. 40 Dodge of Dario Franchitti earlier this year, and longtime driver Reed Sorenson is leaving the No. 41 to drive for Gillett Evernham Racing next year.
The teams' drivers have combined for 210 starts this year and have zero wins, 11 top-five finishes and 28 top-10s.
DEI has only three wins in the past four seasons, while Ganassi drivers have four wins since 2002.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I got to talk to Dale Jr and Josh last night (for the 2nd time)
Went well, I wasn't on for too long, told them about the lady who couldn't find her car after the Pocono race, and told me she knew she parked beside a tree. Josh made the comment about there being a lot of trees up there. I said that was my first thought too. So my question was going to be if Junior had any paint schemes from the past that he was hoping to have put on the 88 for next year. However, someone beat me to it and I had to think of a different question fast. I had one in mind in case that one was asked and I told Junebug I played the Playstation 2 video game version of Scarface. (It's actually called "Scarface: The World Is Yours.") Junior did the voice over for one of the characters and for the life of me (after played it the whole way through two times) couldn't figure out what character he portrayed. So he told me and now I'll have to go through and see if I can find him. (If I do, I'll let you know.) I heard from a friend of mine that was listening that Junior said, "So Corinne plays Scarface huh? That's pretty cool." Anyway, for those of you who listened in, that was me! I gotta go for now, talk to you all later!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Headlines from Phoenix
To be honest, there weren't a whole lot (if any) headlines on Dale Jr this week. So if I spot any I think are worth posting, I'll post them when I see and read them.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Another good run
Junior had an awesome run today and stayed in the top 10 the entire race, he finished 6th and moved up one spot in the standings. If he runs well next week and stays in the top 10 at the end of the race next weekend, he'll be in NYC for the banquet. Here's the standings...
| 1 | -- | Jimmie Johnson | 6561 | Leader | |||||
| 2 | -- | Carl Edwards | 6420 | -141 | |||||
| 3 | -- | Greg Biffle | 6358 | -203 | |||||
| 4 | -- | Jeff Burton | 6292 | -269 | |||||
| 5 | +2 | Kevin Harvick | 6233 | -328 | |||||
| 6 | -- | Clint Bowyer | 6226 | -335 | |||||
| 7 | -2 | Jeff Gordon | 6151 | -410 | |||||
| 8 | -- | Matt Kenseth | 6091 | -470 | |||||
| 9 | +3 | Denny Hamlin | 6090 | -471 | |||||
| 10 | +1 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 6087 | -474 | |||||
| 11 | -1 | Kyle Busch | 6080 | -481 | |||||
| 12 | -3 | Tony Stewart | 6059 | -502 |
Friday, November 7, 2008
Qualifying for the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500
Junebug qualified 5th for the race on Sunday, his teammate Jimmie Johnson got the pole. Oh yeah, there's a new pole up, please vote. :)
Dale Jr on Wind Tunnel
I'm not the biggest fan of Wind Tunnel, which airs on SPEED Sunday nights, but when I saw these on youtube, I couldn't help but post them on here. By the way, (I didn't know this until now) Robin Miller is the Open Wheel Analyst for the SPEED Channel. Enjoy!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Online auction under way to benefit Sam Ard Fund
I am asking you to please at least check out the items up for auction. This is a major undertaking by the drivers and Motor Racing Outreach, and is a great testament to the kind of fans that NASCAR draws. What other sport do you know of that would do something like this for a retired driver?
The Sam Ard Fund auction page
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- For the next three weeks, NASCAR fans have the opportunity to do two good things at once -- buy a cherished collectible, plus lend a hand to one of the sport's pioneers.
An online auction that opened Saturday features autographed memorabilia from numerous Sprint Cup Series drivers. It's a joint effort by the NASCAR Foundation and Motor Racing Outreach, with all proceeds benefiting the Sam Ard Fund.
Ard, the 1983-84 Nationwide Series champion, is battling Alzheimer's disease and financial woes. His wife, Jo, is in a battle of her own, against a degenerative eye disease.
This pas Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, another two-time Nationwide Series champion, Kevin Harvick (2001 and 2008), donated a van to Ard's son, Robert, for conveyance to his father.
Items available in the online auction include autographed driver suits from Harvick, Jamie McMurray, Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer, two-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, Jeff Burton, Kyle Petty, Denny Hamlin, defending Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday, Ryan Newman, Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson.
The Sam Ard Fund auction closes at noon ET on Nov. 17. Other items will become available during the next three weeks.
The Sam Ard Fund auction page
Headlines from the Dickies 500 and the weekend
I know Dale Jr isn't happy about doing it, but he knows that laying off some employee's has to be done to keep JRM going.
Depressed economy forces Earnhardt's hand at JR Motorsports
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the real Jimmie Johnson
Depressed economy forces Earnhardt's hand at JR Motorsports
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the real Jimmie Johnson
Monday, November 3, 2008
Wow! Check out what Jimmy Spencer said about Brad! (and my opinion about it)
I was watching NASCAR Victory Lane last night, and Jimmy Spencer was talking about how well Brad did last night. I have to agree with Spenc, (nevermind that he grew up about 20 minutes from where I live) Brad started way in the back, and although he was a lap down, he finished 19th! (One position ahead of Junebug). Anyway, what Jimmy said was that he feels that Brad is ready for the cup series, whereas Joey Lagano, (who originally was scheduled to run this race) isn't ready at all. Joey fell back I think down 5 laps or so, and finished a sad 40th.
I thought was pretty cool that Jimmy praised Brad, while the media seems to think that Joey is such a talented driver. I'm not putting Joey down, and not saying he's not a talented driver, it's just that he hasn't done well in any of the cup races he's run, finishing at least 20th or worse in each of them. Brad made his debut, starting back around where Joey started, and yet Brad fought and made his way to 19th!
I thought was pretty cool that Jimmy praised Brad, while the media seems to think that Joey is such a talented driver. I'm not putting Joey down, and not saying he's not a talented driver, it's just that he hasn't done well in any of the cup races he's run, finishing at least 20th or worse in each of them. Brad made his debut, starting back around where Joey started, and yet Brad fought and made his way to 19th!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
There's next year....
I know you all must like it when I ramble, why else would you come back? Anyway, I want to start out by saying I'm so proud of Dale Jr for the insanely great job he's done this year. He broke his win-less streak at Michigan, made the chase and is as happy as I've seen him in a long time. He's really had to start all over again as far as working with new teammates, a new boss, new sponsors, and like he said in the Chevy commercial, a new number and new colors. I think the move to Hendrick has done Junebug well. He's realized that he can't always yell (for lack of a better word) to Tony Jr about the car, because that just frustrates him more and he loses focus. He's found a way to be himself and communicate better while in the car, and I know he's looking forward to next year, just as much as I'm sure you all are and I know I am.
I'm one of those fans who have looked at this season and thought, "You know what, this is his first season being with HMS, and just like anything else, being around new people (pit crew, garage crew, staff at HMS), teammates, surroundings, etc. - they take time getting used to. I know Junior will be ready for next year."
I don't look at this year as being a one win year for him. I look at it (or try to) from his perspective, he knows he has the best equipment out there and he knows what he can do with that. He also knows that no matter what, the true Jr Nation fans will be with him all the way.
I'm one of those fans who have looked at this season and thought, "You know what, this is his first season being with HMS, and just like anything else, being around new people (pit crew, garage crew, staff at HMS), teammates, surroundings, etc. - they take time getting used to. I know Junior will be ready for next year."
I don't look at this year as being a one win year for him. I look at it (or try to) from his perspective, he knows he has the best equipment out there and he knows what he can do with that. He also knows that no matter what, the true Jr Nation fans will be with him all the way.
Qualifying, Results from the Dickie's 500 and standing update
Sorry I didn't post where Jr qualified on Friday. I had to work early both Thursday and Friday and was busy both days after work. Anyway, Dale Jr qualified 5th, and had a struggle most of the night. Right at the end he was 2nd, and almost ran out of fuel and would have finished way back, but Tony Jr had him come in for some fuel and he finished 20th.
Brad had a great run in his debut in the #25 GoDaddy.com Chevy. He qualified 37th and although he was a lap down, he finished one position ahead of his boss (Junebug), in 19th.
Brad had a great run in his debut in the #25 GoDaddy.com Chevy. He qualified 37th and although he was a lap down, he finished one position ahead of his boss (Junebug), in 19th.
 | | | | | |||||
| RANK | +/- | DRIVER | POINTS | BEHIND | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | -- | Jimmie Johnson | 6366 | Leader | |||||
| 2 | -- | Carl Edwards | 6260 | -106 | |||||
| 3 | -- | Greg Biffle | 6223 | -143 | |||||
| 4 | -- | Jeff Burton | 6154 | -212 | |||||
| 5 | +1 | Jeff Gordon | 6111 | -255 | |||||
| 6 | +1 | Clint Bowyer | 6099 | -267 | |||||
| 7 | -2 | Kevin Harvick | 6087 | -279 | |||||
| 8 | +1 | Matt Kenseth | 5973 | -393 | |||||
| 9 | -1 | Tony Stewart | 5962 | -404 | |||||
| 10 | +2 | Kyle Busch | 5938 | -428 | |||||
| 11 | -1 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. | 5937 | -429 | |||||
| 12 | -1 | Denny Hamlin | 5935 | -431 |
Happy Halloween everyone (a day late)
Hope you had a good Halloween, and hope you or your kids didn't get too hyped up on candy!! Anyway, Jr had a great run in qualifying and will start 5th. Yay!!! Brad Keselowski will make his Cup series debut, he qualified 37th, which I know isn't the greatest, but, it was good enough for him to make it. I'm so excited for him and really hope he does well tomorrow.
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