Auto Racing

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

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