For the countless Dale Jarrett fans, the last three years have been downright agonizing to watch, especially since they were so accustomed to watching their driver celebrate in the winner's circle. After all, since 1995 when he joined Robert Yates Racing, Jarrett has won a grand total of 28 races. Only Jeff Gordon has engaged in more visits to victory lane since then. In the midst of those 28 victories were two Daytona 500 trophies, two Brickyard 400 trophies, as well as the 1999 championship. And after winning four races in 2001, there seemed to be no deceleration for the Hickory, North Carolina native. But 2002 marked the foundation of the downward spiral for Dale Jarrett.
Jarrett defines what is considered a late-bloomer, which is a driver who hits their peak when most drivers are have reached the twilight of their career. While Jarrett was privileged enough to land solid rides with Cale Yarborough, the Wood Brothers, and Joe Gibbs Racing throughout the late 1980's and early 1990's, it wasn't until 1995 after Robert Yates Racing snagged him up at age 38, when Jarrett was handed the opportunity of a lifetime. Initially, Jarrett was designated as the interim driver for the severely injured Ernie Irvan in the famed #28 Texaco Havoline Ford, but as the season progressed, Jarrett's solidity landed him a long-term seat with Robert Yates Racing. It wasn't long before Jarrett joined Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, and Mark Martin as part of NASCAR's elite class for that time period.
In 2002, Jarrett was able to post a pair of wins, but the faces of NASCAR were shifting. The so-called young guns were dominating the headlines, while Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Burton, Martin, and Wallace were pushed into the background. In 2003, Jarrett suffered through what was arguably the worst year of his career. His isolated win at Rockingham in February was his only top five finish for the entire season. He recorded only seven top tens and finished 26th in the final Nextel (Winston) Cup Standings. Things appeared to be on the up-swing in 2004, but Jarrett missed the coveted Chase For The Championship, and for the first time since 1992, he ended the season winless. Last year, Jarrett revisited victory lane at Talladega, but by and large, the season was anticlimactic.
There are a couple of factors that come into play as to why Jarrett's results have plummeted. The competition level has ascended, as an influx of new talent has evolved. No longer can you miss the setup by just a fraction and still salvage a top ten finish. Another contributing factor to Jarrett's hindrance can be found within his own team. While teams such as Roush Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and Joe Gibbs Racing have expanded along with NASCAR, Robert Yates Racing hasn't expanded since they converted to a two-team operation ten years ago. Also, leadership has been deficient on the #88 team ever since Todd Parrott stepped off the pit box in 2002. Brad Parrott, Jimmy Elledge, Shawn Parker, Billy Wilburn, and Mike Ford to name a few have all spent time as crew chief of the #88 team. Last October, Todd Parrott began an ephemeral second tenure as Jarrett's crew chief. That kind of instability will definitely have a negative impact on a driver's performance. Only time will tell if the #88 team can find that all-important stability with Richard 'Slugger' Labbe in 2006.
Dale Jarrett is without a doubt in the same rank as Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, and Bill Elliott, and should to be able to end his career on top of his game, just the way that his counterparts have and will. But it will not happen unless the #88 team can step it up!
