Angie
Dale Earnhardt Jr will begin the 2010 season under the glare of a spotlight. His fan base is known for its almost fanatical loyalty but his detractors are just as vocal. After the worst season of his career, both sides are waiting to see what he does next.
It’s interesting to note how two groups of people can look at the same person or situation and come to two completely different conclusions. Our perceptions are colored by life experiences, emotions and countless other variables. This usually results in heated debate especially when the subject is Dale Jr.
The first thing you’ll hear from many race fans is that Jr is not as good as his Daddy and he never will be. They’ll go on to tell you that he would never have gotten a chance to become a stock car driver if not for his famous father.
This may be true but what does it really mean? Continue reading →
Angie
This past Friday, while playing a game of basketball with some friends, Denny Hamlin suffered an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He announced his decision to put off surgery until the end of the 2010 Sprint Cup Season.
Before this injury occurred, the driver had been considered a favorite to unseat the reigning Champion Jimmie Johnson. This type of injury, however, can have a significant impact on any athlete and many have already eliminated Hamlin from Championship contention.
A few weeks ago, I also picked Hamlin as one to watch in 2010. During the 2009 Chase he had two engine failures and was involved in one crash. But in the remaining seven races of the Chase, he beat Jimmie five out of seven times, finishing fifth in the standings.
The effects of his injury on his ability to drive are yet to be seen. The fallout may be both physical and emotional. Every time Hamlin has an unsatisfactory finish this year, his reasoning for postponing the surgery will be questioned. He’ll have to stay focused and remain confident while ignoring the doubters. Continue reading →
Angie
The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Media Tour presented one common theme throughout the event. The message was a promise of commitment to the drivers and fans to continue to listen and improve the sport.
As proof of this, they announced some exciting new changes for the upcoming season with an emphasis on putting the handling of the cars back in the hands of the drivers.
One of these changes involves lifting the bump drafting restrictions at Daytona and Talladega.
Vice President of Competition, Robin Pemberton put it this way.
“We will say boys, have at it and have a good time.” Continue reading →
Angie
The 2010 NASCAR season began for many fans on Friday at the Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona. With driver interviews featured throughout the weekend, it gives the fans a first look at the upcoming season and sets the stage for the Budweiser Shootout and the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., sporting a full beard, seemed relaxed and confident as he talked about the disappointment of 2009 and his expectations for this year.
This is a completely different Dale Jr. than the one we saw at the end of 2009. His words towards the end of the season reflected his frustration and self doubt.
“I’m about to the end of my rope on it,” he said. “I’ve been riding it out, but there comes a point where you don’t want to ride it out no more. You’ve just had enough.”
On Friday, he spoke with a renewed passion and a quiet confidence. Continue reading →
Angie
The following is NOT to be taken seriously, just a humorous look at some of our favorite NASCAR drivers.
Everyone is giving their NASCAR predictions for 2010 so I thought I’d try something different. I’ve always believed in the merits of having a 5 year plan so the following is a list of my predictions for 2011-2015.
In 2015, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will leave NASCAR and pursue a career as a Country singer. His first single, “Going Backerds in a Race Car Ain’t as Fun as it Sounds,” debuts at number 1 on the charts.
Jeff Gordon is announced as the replacement for the retiring Regis Philbin in 2015. The new “Jeff & Kelly” show is a ratings failure. Apparently even the general public can’t stand Jeff’s constant whining. Continue reading →
Angie
As the New Year begins racing fans are eagerly anticipating the next season of NASCAR. After a year of highs and lows, heartaches and triumps, 2010 holds the promise of new stories to be told.
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., this may be the turning point of his career. Will he be able to turn things around and race for wins?
Team owner Rick Hendrick seems determined to make this happen.
“My priority right now is the 88 team. We’re working on them to try to make that team stronger. The goal going into next year now will be to win races and get all four teams in the Chase.”
Hendrick’s words sound encouraging but may not ring true to fans of Dale Jr. who have heard this before. Many question his decision to retain Lance McGrew as the Crew Chief for the sport’s most popular driver. Many others are beginning to question Earnhardt’s Jr.’s passion, determination and driving ability. Continue reading →
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