Auto Racing

» number_eight_nut - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

Jr has said in his recent comments concerning his stepmother, Theresa Earnhardt, that their relationship has been the same since he "moved into their(Dale Sr. and Theresa's) house when he was six years old" it has not changed giving the impression that they don't exactly share a Carole and Greg Brady type of relationship. Many people have speculated as to what would happen if he was not able to negotiate a contract with DEI, would he move to Richard Childress racing (RCR) like his father? Or would he start his own team? Jr. has never aspired to be like or replace Dale Sr. He has said on numerous occasions that he is his own person and he is not his father reborn so to speak. But if he is not able to settle his difference with his stepmother, then what is next step? He has plenty of money, so that is not an issue. He is THE most popular driver in Nascar and any team would be a fool not to sign him, but he states he really just wants to DRIVE. He is not interested in all the BS that goes on behind the scenes. This is going to be an interesting season from the way it is shaping up already.

-- posted by number_eight_nut

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» Jeremy Dunn - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

In response to Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on? posted by number_eight_nut:

I agree, this is going to be very interesting. I would like to see Jr stay with DEI. That's what his father would have wanted. But of course, you have to be able to be comfortable where you work. Hopefully, this rift between Jr and Teresa is not as bad as the media has made it out to be.

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» earnhardt724 - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

In response to Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on? posted by number_eight_nut:

for being a 8 nut you are in left field or dont know anything about jr. he has said on more than one occassion that he would like to drive the #3 car for richard and it would be the money maker of the century,goodwrench left racing because they werent getting the notice they got with dale sr.its time for jr. to wake up and realize the name is the draw and three fourths of his fans were his dads,because im one with a room in my home dedicated to each one,but hes got to see that he hasnt done that much yet and all this popularity aint his,he inhierited it,its the name son,its the name

-- posted by earnhardt724

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» number_eight_nut - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

In response to Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on? posted by earnhardt724:

I disagree with your remark that "the name is the draw and three fourths of his fans were his dads," I for one can speak for myself and I will take the liberty and speak also for a bunch of other #8 fans. We did not consistently watch NASCAR when Dale Sr. was alive. I think the NASCAR fan base has increased greatly since and maybe because of Dale Sr.'s death. I have watched on a causal basis since I was a kid but did not start to become the fan I am today, until AFTER Sr. died. When he died there was such a hoopla (and rightfully so) that many people started watching for the first time. Stock car racing has grown so much in the last 4-5 years that I would think that at least 1/2 of Jr.'s fans are his fans and his alone. I for one did not care for Dale Sr. He was a "win at any cost type of driver" where I think Jr is much more considerate and more respected for his clean racing style. You won't see Jr spin anyone out for a win, he has said this, his fan's know this (and sometimes wish he would!) and the other drivers know it. Matt Kenseth said last year in a after race interview where he and Jr had had some intense racing "It was fun to race Jr out there like that. I knew he would not knock me into the wall for the win so it really was a may the best man win situation" (paraphrased).

I will agree that some of Dale Jr.'s fans are "hanger on'ers" of his Dad's but you have to give his fan base their due respect. You go to the races and you see a sea of red, a lot more women than men. Jr has a sex appeal that his Dad did not have, that sex appeal may not be winning him races, but it sure is selling his merchandise! I have never heard or read for that matter Jr say that he wanted to race for RCR, what are your sources? I like to think I am informed fan, but I am just that A FAN. I am one of the millions putting $$ in Jr.'s pocket every time I buy a shirt, a diecast car or whatever, he is getting piece of it. I like Jr, I like his "aww gee shucks" charisma and I will keep pulling for him even though I am a dyed in the wool, blue oval FORD driver and would never give my Mustang's up. I take a bunch of ribbing because I pull for Jr and drive a FORD, but hey, I like who I like. Again I would like your sources on when Jr said he would like to drive the #3 car. I have not heard that.

-- posted by number_eight_nut

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» BCBob - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

In response to Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on? posted by earnhardt724:

Until Jr. wins something bigger than the Daytona 500 or 5th place in the Chase he will be remembered as Sr.'s son. Is he a good driver? Damn right. Is he great? Nope, but might be. Jr. should leave the #3 where it belongs.....retired. Which leads to an interesting question.....If Bill France Jr. has such commanding power over the sport, why doesn't he just go ahead and retire #3? He won't because of the possible revenue, but he should. As long as RCR owns the rights to #3, I think it is safe to say that it won't be circling a track anytime soon.

-- posted by BCBob

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» mccjt05 - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

In response to Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on? posted by earnhardt724:

I totally agree. It would be great for all concerned, childress, jr, goodwrench, and nascar in general.

-- posted by mccjt05

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» silentplayer - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

In response to Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on? posted by number_eight_nut:

Recently read an article by Jr. saying that before he ends his career he would like to drive the #3 for Childress. I don't think he meant in the near future, but that may happen. I don't think DEI has the strength in their program to give him the equipment that he needs to drive up to his potential. What I wonder is if Jr. leaves, will Truex be far behind, or will he stay to be the No.1 driver for DEI ? That should be interesting to watch.

-- posted by silentplayer

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» just_a_fan - Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on?

In response to Should Jr stay at DEI or is it time to move on? posted by number_eight_nut:

I agree with number_eight_nut.
Not all Jr fans were fans of his Dad, I wasn't and I've been around racing all my life. Jr has
done something no other race driver has done...attracted different generations.
This is the first time that my husband, son, myself and grandkids all cheer for the same driver.
Reasons? My husband was a fan of his Dad, I
like his clean driving style and the way he
handles himself with the press. My son and
grandson because he has style, he is hip..
All of this rolled into a single talented
driver, let's face it ... when he reaches
a level of comfort both on and off the track,
he will be go down in NASCAR history on his
record alone.

-- posted by just_a_fan

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