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Published Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 | 3:34 p.m.
Updated Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 | 4:05 p.m.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans across the nation are in a world of hurt every time they hit the couch to watch a Sprint Cup race. Seeing the son of the great Dale Earnhardt struggle with trying to find his way to victory lane is like watching someone in high heels trying to scale the walls of the Grand Canyon.
Maybe the expectations of Junior Nation are just too large. It is quite unfair to expect Dale Jr. to be his father in every way. But the beginning of Dale Jr.’s career seemed promising and his move to the top racing organization in Sprint Cup gave fans hope that his struggles would soon be over.
That hasn’t happened.
So what will make the driver of the No. 88 car competitive? Former crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham recently had a number of poignant suggestions for Jr. “I don’t see improvement until the communication gets better,” Evernham said this week in an appearance at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Evernham firmly believes that Dale Jr. could turn his performance around if he and his crew chief stopped bickering over the radio during the races and started searching for a way to communicate that includes less emotion and more direct discussion. “When you’re arguing, you’re not being productive,” Evernham said.
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After reading all of Evernham’s observations, one thought kept popping into my head. Maybe Evernham is the man who should be Dale Jr.’s crew chief. I know there are NASCAR fans who don’t believe Dale Jr. has the talent to be a winner again, let alone a champion. But Evernham’s experience with molding a young Jeff Gordon, and his track record as one of the most successful crew chiefs in the sport would make him the perfect person to reshape the No. 88 team and motivate Dale Jr. to reach his true potential.
The big question is, would Evernham be interested in the job?
Unfortunately, Ray has stated many times that he isn't interested in the Job.
Hey, you never know. Ray could change his mind. Especially if he has the chance to be known as the guy responsible for remaking dale's career.
Oh please. Jr's a born loser. If not for the old man, Jr. would be lucky to get a job delivering dominos pizza !!
What a joke!
One of these guys is very smart and very good- the other....just isn't.
Part of me hopes that Ray is foolish enough to take on what is sure to be an embarrassing job; when little jr STILL can't win anything what will people have left to say?!?
It's the driver!
I think Ray is smarter than that anyway; why would he tarnish his accomplishments by stepping into a guaranteed failure?
Someone needs to tell Dale Jr to grow up. If you get a chance to listen in on his radio during a race - if I was the crew chief, I would want to slap Jr. silly. Sometimes I wonder if Jr. if knows what he wants. He can't blame Teresa anymore. What's his excuse now....oh wait, he not getting the same equiupment as Jeff and Jimmie....Maybe, Evernham could put him in his place. I say go for it, what could it really hurt except relieve Lance.....Something needs to give...contract runs out at the end of 2011....
The problem is Jr. just can't drive....
he is not his father.