You just never know what will happen during a restrictor plate race. I thought last week's race at Talladega was pretty good. Did not hear of anyone being upset with anyone, well, not until today.
Now I know why Kyle Busch was more than happy to make room for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick.
I just got through reading this blog by Jay Hart of Yahoo! Sports "The Real World: NASCAR Style". *
I read it with interest. As how Jeff Gordon was upset with Dale Earnhardt Jr. who did not help him during last Sunday's race. And according to the blog, Earnhardt Jr. actually went to Gordon and apologized for not going with him.
What? Are you kidding me? Why in the world would Dale Jr. have to go to Gordon and apologize? Jr. decided to make a move that he thought would put him in a better position to win. While Gordon had decided that he would run 3rd or 4th. Because he did not want to be up front at that point.
So why is it not okay for Earnhardt Jr. to do the same thing for himself?
Call me crazy, but if Gordon, Johnson or Mears expect Earnhardt to run behind them and not try to win the race, Earnhardt Jr. is in for along, unhappy run at Hendrick.
Maybe someone needs to sit Mr. Gordon down and explain to him how being teammates work. You work together whenever possible throughout the race. But when it comes to go for the win, it is every man for himself. Not me and my teammate.
Dale Jr. all I can say for you is this: Remember Kyle Busch was with this organization last year. And he only won what 1, 2 races all year? And this year he is with Joe Gibbs organization. Nine races into this season and Busch already has 2 wins in Cup. 3 wins in Nationwide Series and 2 in the Truck series. And Dale Jr. has no Cup points wins. Not sure about the Nationwide series, but I think he has none there also. And he doesn't run the Truck Series.
I have just one question: Dale Jr. are you sure you made the right decision?
How long is Jr. imprisoned with Hendrick? Looks like your favorite is wanting out of JGR maybe Jr. could slide on across and run a Toyota for the money! I'd bet that would sure frost a few people...
I understand for some reason (drafting) its supposed to take teamwork to win the restrictor races, who was working with Kyle Busch? If somebody was, they sure have kept it under wraps... Why does Gordon need help and then when he doesn't get what he expects, he whines??? Am I wrong in this thinking?
I might be wrong but didn't Jr say he should have done things different. what I see here is typical bias against Gordon and for Jr. something that has been going on forever. I'm inclined to believe that jeff has more than proven that he is the superior driver, there is no getting around that regardless og who you like. I know one thing, if that was any other two team members, they would have locked up. Jr was simply so hungry for a victory, which he admitted, that he went another route which didn't work out for him. i am pretty sure you all will disagree because you are fans of Jr but face facts, he hasn't won in two years and is the king of DNFs
I'm no huge Gordon fan, but I do think he had reason to complain here. Jr. probably should have stood by his teammate and he said so. But ultimately, he's trying to win so you can't really blame the guy. Teamwork can only go so far. As for questioning whether the move to HMS was right for Jr., I don't think there's any doubt he made a wise choice. Just look at his results and standing in the points. Jr. is loyal to friends and family almost to a fault so there's no way he would so quickly bail on Rick Hendrick for JGR.
Well well well, did June bug move the right way. Did he see the $ or the trouphy? Hmm. I hate having Jr. on my fav team. I still like the Shrub. I hope Jr. gets what he wanted..lol. I know Kyle Busch did. Go #5 #18 #24 #48..
The way I look at it is from a different perspective. If I am running at the front and have a chance to win, I definitely am not going to play team mate and help push them to the front. I set my self up for the finish and no one ( including team mates) is getting in my way.
As a matter of fact Jr did push Gordon and Johnson plenty but they did not have the cars to stay up with Jr. He was right in dropping them.
If Jeff wants to start whining about it he should go into another sport.
Dwindy1 Jr. signed a five year deal with Hendrick.
Yes it looks like Smoke is testing the waters. I just hope that he stays put in the 20 car. In the long run I just think he will be alot happier there.
As far as Kyle and his teammates drafting with together. They did as much as possible. Smoke and Denny seemed to stay together better than Shurb. Shrub likes to test the lanes.
You are not wrong in your thinking. Gordon doesn't seem to be happy with any of his teammates unless they are pushing him to the front. Like last year with Kyle. Kyle would be in lane pushing towards the front. And Gordon, Johnson and Mears seemed like that they would make sure they did not push Kyle. But they would get on the radio and fuss because Kyle didn't want to push them.
ramogriff Only after Gordon got upset. Let me assure you I am not bias toward either Gordon or Earnhardt. I am not a fan of either.
I just found it interesting that Gordon is doing the same old stuff with Earnhardt Jr. that he did when Busch was his teammate.
And I disagree with you if that were any other two teammates they would have locked up. If teammates can they do. But often times there are variables that keep them from being able too. Such as the cars don't draft well together, due to setups. You can't get to your teammate or your car and your teammates car does not work in the same lanes.
Restrictor plate racing is a big chess match. you never know which move you need to make next.
Since Earnhardt finished 10th and Gordon finished 19th. I would say Jr. made the right decision. Maybe next time Gordon should follow Jr. lol
KYspeedwayfan Why should Jr. have to stay with Gordon? Are they both not trying to win the race as are 41 other drivers?
I agree that moving to Hendrick improved Earnhardt's performance. But let's face it performance is only going to make you happy on the track. When you have a teammate getting upset because you didn't stay with him. That can wear on a driver's emotions. And in time those emotions will start to affect their performance.
So in time Jr. might wonder if he really did make the right choice. Not due to performance, but due to personality conflicts.
noahspop2001 I think you are one of the few people who actually has alligiance to two different organizations/manufacturers. Chevy/Hendrick 5, 24 and 48. Toyota/Gibbs 18.
I am a southern female who grew up on NASCAR. After all growing up in the backyard of many of the old tracks run here in North Carolina it is was hard not to follow NASCAR.
My Drivers: Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, J.J. Yeley, Kevin Harvick (in that order). I will not pull for a Roush or Hendrick driver. Just because they are the competition to a 3rd championship for Smoke.
