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Frustration continues to mount for Junior
By admin | May 11, 2009
By Richard Allen
In what has become a recurring theme for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. over the course of the 2009 season, a race that offered the opportunity for a solid finish ended up in disaster.
The frustration level for this driver, this team and the multitude of fans that follow their every move continues to rise. Each week seems to end in much the same way.
While Junior was never really a contender to win the Southern 500 in Darlington, he did spend much of his time running between 8th and 15th. Finishing in one of those spots is certainly not what this team has in mind when they unload their car on Fridays but such a result is not a disaster.
However, finishing 27th for the second straight week is a disaster. Aside from his 2nd place in Talladega, Junior’s best finish over the past five races has been a 20th in Texas.
For that matter, he has scored only three Top 10s all season. At the same time, Junior has watched while his Hendrick Motorsports teammates have asserted the dominance this organization has become known for.
Over the course of the last six races, HMS cars have won five times. That is, if the win by Brad Keselowski at the Talladega Super Speedway in what was essentially a Hendrick car is included.
HMS drivers Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin now reside within the all important Top 12 of the Sprint Cup standings.
Martin’s move into the Top 12 is particularly remarkable in that he got off to a terrible start due to blown engines and tire issues. Gordon has also completed a comeback of sorts as he ended a losing streak that dated back to 2007 and currently sits on top of the standings. And of course, Johnson has won the Sprint Cup title for three years running.
Clearly, Junior is lagging behind his HMS mates.
However, ‘Junior Nation’ can take heart in the fact that their driver is not completely out of contention. He is currently 18th in the standings, just 89 points out of 12th, with plenty of races remaining before the cutoff in September.
But one thing is for sure, this team has plenty of corrections to make if they are to get themselves into championship contention.
Richard Allen is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association. His weekly column appears in The Mountain Press every Wednesday.
Topics: Articles |
May 12th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Jr. will forever be Rick Hendrick’s personal Albatross.
May 12th, 2009 at 7:30 am
Well we keep hearing not to worry. “He’s almost there” I live in Buffalo the home of “almost there” and I want to cheer on a winner. I am a big fan of Jr’s but either pull him and put in Keslowski or pull Eury Jr. and replace him with someone. How about Bootie Barker? Turn it around. We know that his crew chief hasn’t done that much since Jr. runs strong where he always runs and is running poorly where he always runs poorly. Make a change!!!
May 12th, 2009 at 10:08 am
In 2006, Theresa Earnhardt said of Jr: “Right now the ball’s in his court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality.”
She was villified for this, but her words are ringing true.
May 12th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Yea bash all you want he is not doing as bad as everyone thinks. Learn to read a little more before you comment. There are so many more drivers in worse shape than him Maybe if the bashers and media would leave him alone. How would you people like your life magified every week. He will come out ok this year if he doesn’t make the chase believe it or not his fans will still be here so get use to it. Jr. Nation rules to bad people really don’t get why he is liked try educating yourself before you speak.
May 12th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
If I made as much $$$ as Junior you could bash me all you want. Motorsports is a PERFORMANCE occupation. It isn’t oil painting. It is not a bash to say that many of Junior’s problems are of his own making. How many times can you pit outside your box or run into another car on the track? Eury Jr. may or may not be giving Junior good set-ups but you still can’t over-drive the car and put it into the wall or another car. All those drivers in worse shape than this driver also don’t have Hendrick resources.
Many looking for an excuse like to think that Hendrick isn’t giving Junior full support. Just seeing Brian Whitesell on the #88 pit box proves that’s bunk. Maybe much of the problem IS a driver issue.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:33 am
jr ’s contract will not be renewed in 5 yr’s with hendrick motorsports. jr’ will be looking for a ride. i do not see anyone jumping in line to hire him.
May 14th, 2009 at 4:35 am
the end is near for the earnhardt legacy. i have prayed for this day to come! god bless this man !!!!
May 14th, 2009 at 4:36 am
we luv you teresa earnhardt !! keep up the good work!