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June 02, 2005
DEI duo will have to help themselves
At this point in the season, I don't think there's any real shame in DEI's having slipped to "second-tier" team status. If it doesn't say Roush or Hendrick somewhere on your race car, chances are that's where you live in this the 2005 Nextel Cup season.
The problem is that Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s No. 8 and No. 15 teams are barely hanging on in that second tier and could slip farther back.
Still, with NASCAR's chase points format, it's way too early for anyone to panic. Not that there isn't a growing sense of urgency at that big, shiny building up near Moorseville, N.C.
Both of the DEI cars were running in the top 10 Sunday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. That was, of course, before they both got wrecked.
But, even if unspectacular, top-10 runs would be good enough to get the Nos. 8 and 15 into the second round of Brian France's chase in the late summer and fall.
Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr. each have five - count 'em fans, 5 - top 10s so far this season. That's the same number claimed by three of the drivers currently in the top 10 of the standings.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s average finish of 16.8 is even better than the 10-place guy, Kurt Busch's. Both DEI drivers, though, are sorely lacking in bonus points.
No, it's not time do a Dave Marcis or Kevin Lepage and just stay out when everyone else pits. Five points ain't worth that much when you're buried deep in the field.
Since it's still relatively early, there's no doubt that some of the points leaders will have trouble and come back to the rest of the pack a bit. But, just as NFL treams would prefer to "control their own destiny" as the playoffs approach, the DEI duo will need to do more for themselves.
Which would seemingly include being a tad more careful when their cars occupy the same part of the track.
June 2, 2005 in Racing | Permalink
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OMG..did someone say DW praises #8, only when he has to or the ass has accused Jr of somethng not true and has to backpeddle. No, it's Mikey, Mikey. I'm not a Mikey fan in cause you haven't picked that up. For me under DEI..It's Jr and if Martin signs it also Martin, but I could care less about Mikey. Part of the switch wasn't JUST because of Jr and Jr...it was to save the NAPA contract and Mikey had to win or else. So Jr was the sacrficial lamb for Mikey. As a Budweiser shareholder I don't want to see a dime go to Mikey and his team...it's Jr's sponsor and that's were it belongs...making Jr's tean better. I don't think it's Jr's decision or anyother drivers decision on appearances or commericals..they have contracts. And they have to be meet, regardless, it's up to the driver to make it work. Did you know that Jr. does the Domino's Pizza commericas with Mikey, but they are not his sponsor...I called, I support Jr's sponsors..their comment, "Waltrip is who we sponsor, Jr just does the commerical with him." Bullship..last time I order a Domino pizza! So that's my .02 worth like or leave it, sorry if that sounds so callous, but I express my opinion how I truly feel. Oh and the cursing bit...this isn't Nascar.com board...the "cussing" here is NOTHING compared to other sites and words like Bullshit, hell, damn, etc. are real words.offend you, then close your eyes and don't read them, this is the real word, were real people finally get a chance to express their views w/o Nascar deleting every other word. You don't need to use them and I applaud you, you are just a better person then me,when I get passioniate about what I beleieve in I can't help using a few cuss words, it helps me blow off steam. Sorry if I've offended you, but that's me.
Posted by: anterry8 | Jun 27, 2005 3:52:34 PM
I find the feuding in here depressing. I know that people have favorites, but come on. When one team is down another is up. It goes back and forth. As far as JR on all these commercials, I think it is his decision to say yes or no to do them. He could just say no, I need to work with my team and get to know them more, by maybe going and playing something like minature golf or bowling. Something away from work, as racing is their work. Then maybe they would do better. Taking time away from racing would be good for everyone. I saw an interview that said about all Jr does is race.
As far as evil stepmoms I guess you haven't seen the "3" movie. Theresa isn't an evil stepmom. Stepmoms are what they make of themselves and I don't believe she is all that bad. She grew up around racing and helped Sr get into the sport.
The only comment I have about FOX's broadcast is that they do talk a lot about themselves and have to be reminded about the things going on. DW had to be reminded that Michael has trouble with fresh tires or what not. It's his brother, he should have know that.
Posted by: DEIbaby | Jun 15, 2005 5:33:07 PM
Newman fan here... Your an idiot Jay.. Who else would u want other than McMurray? Realisticly he's the only person that isn't locked in and fits the demographic that Miller Brewing Co., wants in that car. So don't come back with Dale Jarrett, Ricky Rudd or Ken Schrader suggestions and they have already said they aren't gonna put a non contender and inexperienced driver in that car. Miller wants results and popularity now, Rusty is a big draw but someone 21 - 28 is gonna sell them more beer, than Ricky Rudd or even Dale Jarrett.
Posted by: TigOlBitty | Jun 9, 2005 2:56:36 PM
Your right M (Johnny) Benson,
Gordon fell from 3rd to 12th pretty quickly.
But Newman has 4 or 5 top tens in a row. Consistency is setting in for the #12 team.
It just seems like everyone think Penske is horrible, they are overall the best Dodge team this year. Better than EVernham and Ganassi. eVen better than some chevy and Ford teams. Gibbs, DEI, RCR, YATES,
the only team that's really running better is Roush and HMS. Next year, Borland and Newman will be doing the same thing they are this year. Arrogant or not they will be Contending for wins, getting an ass of poles, and whoever is in the #2 (hopefully anyone but MCMurray) will be running around 10 or 11th.
Posted by: 19Jay12 | Jun 9, 2005 10:52:08 AM
DEI will have to help themselves? If MW placed where he was running when he got his 3 DNF's he would be third in points. How does he prevent blown motors or being punted by a team mate?
Posted by: Double E | Jun 9, 2005 12:10:30 AM
Tru,
I don't think Hendrick would agree with you since that means they would find their illegal engines. (before you go off I am playing around again)
Posted by: Jon | Jun 8, 2005 7:05:09 PM
Two Things.. The only money being moved around behind the scenes in nascar is at the shops dedicated towards R&D. No one is filling pockets from the garage into france pockets, they have got so damn much money Rick Hendrick giving Brian France 2 mil ontop of his share he already recieves from Nascar and its entities is nothing, and $2 million from a car owner would just be way more than anyone would expect a bribe would bring..
Secondly.. Who gives a shit about Carl Long, this isn't Fox's fault can you name any other sport where we know who isn't starring? We don't here about the bench rider for the Colorado Rockies in Asheville on there farm team the tourists.. And the pattern goes on down the line. Talking about 43 drivers is not realistic. A one hour broadcast typically has 42 minutes of broadcasting. Now divide 43 drivers from 4 hours of broadcasting.. That doesn't leave alot of time to talk about Hediko Fukenama or whatever his name is.. If you wanna support your driver call there race shop and tell them to get there car to the front so you can hear some press on them.
Posted by: TigOlBitty | Jun 8, 2005 2:52:58 PM
I am only getting annoyed with the FOX coverage of the races because if your favorite drive is not in the top 10 in points you just do not hear about them. I find that sad. Once a race, I might hear how Petty is doing, maybe every 2 races hear something about Gibbs racing. Even DEI seems to be relagated to the sidelines because their cars are not on top. It is sad to me. I have finally started listening to MRN during the race, just to get real coverage of the race.
ps. on the DW notes from above. The man can be a bit obnoixious. And I think he favors no one but himself, most certianly not the sniveling Gordon.
Posted by: babydragonlet | Jun 8, 2005 11:44:57 AM
Everyone knows NASCAR is controlled by money. Roush and Hendrick have plenty to fill the pockets of nascar and they DO. On the other hand DEI,RCR,JGR and others have that option as well, but I guess they dont cause well, you can tell on Sunday.
Posted by: Gen2SHO | Jun 8, 2005 10:07:26 AM
Maybe they should test the engines more often - that would you all you Hendrick Haters one LESS thing to bitch about!!
That wouldn't be any fun for you would it Jon?
Posted by: truracinfan | Jun 8, 2005 8:29:06 AM
19Jay12... I'm not doggin on the Penske cars... all I was pointing out is that for the past few years that camp as a whole has sucked! Yes Ryan is a good driver and has some wins and a ton of poles... but the past 2 years he hasn't been consistant...as a whole PRS hasn't been consistant... Next year will be an interesting year at Penske... that team as a whole will be left with only the arogance of Newman and Borland... who expect to have it handed to them... not earned... and dont' talk to me about points right now... where those 2 cars sit is NO COMFORT zone for being in contention for the Championship... 4th can turn to 13-14 in 1 race! I have to agree with Sadler comment.
Posted by: M Benson | Jun 8, 2005 8:15:08 AM
I know this will make the HMS fans whine, but maybe NASCAR needs to statrt testing the Hendrick motors more carefully :)
Posted by: Jon | Jun 8, 2005 3:03:46 AM
It Looks to me like Roush/Yates is starting to smile a little out of the side of his mouth with all this feuding between the Chevrolet Teams. I know this will make all you Jr fans see red, but maybe its time for DEI to start testing HMS Engines.
Posted by: J L Hardy | Jun 7, 2005 11:16:18 PM
Tru,
I said all the HMS fans not just you. I can go one day with tearing down HMS drivers, but it so much fun that I pretty much chose not to.
Posted by: Jon | Jun 7, 2005 8:54:16 PM
Gen2SHO + TigOlBitty
you forgot to leave out the evil step mother.
RCR would get all these guys to work together.
DEI has 2 more years tops and the step mom will sell.
Posted by: speedracer | Jun 7, 2005 7:43:50 PM
Hell yeah.. That would work, just not with uncles, cousins, brothers, inlaws running the shop. Harvick and Stewart are buddies as is Junior and Stewart and the chemistry between Junior and Truex is pretty tight, or so it seems. Check back next week for an update..lol
Posted by: TigOlBitty | Jun 7, 2005 11:15:46 AM
How bout we take Harvick,Steweart,Junior,and Truex make them all teamates and wait to see what happens at the end of the season
Posted by: Gen2SHO | Jun 7, 2005 10:54:15 AM
Aight... kiddies
Who cares..about HMS getting some wins.. Hell I work for a Budweiser Wholesaler and was JR fan before that.. But if they pour the money into the cars to make them winning cars good for them whoever it is thats winning.. They have earned it. So everyone shut up already with the bickering about whos nuts are bigger.
Posted by: TigOlBitty | Jun 7, 2005 10:11:26 AM
Jon - When do I get on here and tear down Jr? YOU on the other hand can NOT go one day without running them down. YEAH IT DOES GET OLD! Welcome to our world!!
And I know plenty of fans that get on here and don't run him down, WHAT? Fans should just sit back and let YOU run our favorite drivers down but don't you DARE say one thing about Junior?? I tell you what, I have never seen the likes of the hypocrites that I do on here.
Posted by: truracinfan | Jun 7, 2005 8:50:19 AM
What would be the likely hood, of DEI being bought out by RCR? I mean honestly this would be the smartest thing for both.
Posted by: TigOlBitty | Jun 7, 2005 7:58:10 AM
Bob,
If winning is the only reason to be a fan of certain drivers then yes you are right. But fans pick their favorite drivers for mant reasons and I seriously doubt winning is the number one reason for many fans.
I started out a fan of Richard Petty and then a Dale Sr. fan shorty after he came on the NASCAR scene. Now as everyone knows I am a Jr fan, so it is not always about winning since each of them had stretches when winning wasn't in the cards. I will follow Jr no matter what team he ends up with.
Posted by: Jon | Jun 7, 2005 7:33:56 AM
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