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June 13, 2007
It's Official - Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving for HMS in 2008
The long awaited announcement was made this morning at JR Motorsports. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has signed a five year deal with Hendrick Motorsports.
According to Mr. Hendrick, car number and sponsor has not been ironed out quite yet. It's probably more like they do have it all in place but need all the contracts finished before announcing, at least that's my guess.
Hendrick also said that the decision on letting Kyle Busch go was a mutual thing between him and Busch. Contract negotiations have been going on for a while and Busch has been contacted by others and Hendrick thought it would be best for both of them to have fresh starts. At least that's the story he gives and we have no way of knowing differently unless Busch says something that if quite different than what Hendrick said.
Your thoughts. Good move by Jr. or not?
June 13, 2007 in NASCAR | Permalink
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Apparantly it's now official that he can't use the #8 at Hendrick - guess Junior Nation will switch to #5.
Posted by: Mike Daly | Jun 25, 2007 6:17:57 PM
Fifth-grader? Wow, thanks for giving me THAT much credit!
Ironman
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 16, 2007 7:06:48 PM
Okay Ironman,
It's not even worth trying to have a dialoge (sp?), with you concerning anything. I will repeat that I'm not a fan of Jeff's because of how many wins he has.
I'd rather like a guy because he is similar to Jeff Gordon than like a guy like you who is similar to a 5th grader, (and I know, because I have a daughter in 5th grade).
If I fell and hit my head on a tree then you must've fallen and hit yours on a forrest.
Posted by: Mandy24 | Jun 16, 2007 9:48:28 AM
'I'M WAITING........SLICK!!' (IRONMAN)
PS.(my apologies for the spelling errors folks!")
Posted by: DLA | Jun 16, 2007 5:37:03 AM
OK Ironman,
Just to keep you informed, my father is a 'HUGE' Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan and supporter. My sister, who lives in Manhatten and is one of the main writer's for Hearst Publishing, is a Dale Jr. fan. Of course, you know me as 'another JG fan.' Ironman, you and I, had a decent talk about Dale Jr. and Jeff Gordon not long ago. Now, I see this kind of trash talk coming out of your mouth....... I take that back......'Hatred talk.' Here is a copy of what you posted to 'Mandy24':
{"I think Mandy24 must have fallen and hit her head when she decided to root for Jeffy."}
Obviously, this kind of thinking and talk makes you feel 'confident', 'strong', and 'invisible.' Do you feel inferior for some idiotic reasoning???
Bottom line Ironman.......Time will tell!!!! We shall see what the hell will take place....right?? Let me guess............you're going to respond in a negative way like a 12 yr. old punk right??? Of course......OK IRONMAN, BRING IT!!! LET'S HERE YOU'RE 12 YR. OLD, SCHOOL KID RESPONSE....
Posted by: dla | Jun 16, 2007 4:26:57 AM
wyldeone,
I couldn't agree more with you about Gordon fans. I think Mandy24 must have fallen and hit her head when she decided to root for Jeffy. He and JJ have about as stiff a personality as a fucking mannequin. As for a lot of Junior fans, yeah, there are a lot of bandwagon, ignorant Junior fans out there who only root for him because of his exposure and popularity. Sure, his stats help, but I agree with you that he might be in the Kyle Petty category if not for some significant wins in his career. I am a HUGE Dale Sr. fan and I still buy up as much Dale Earnhardt stuff as I can. He will forever be my favorite driver. I don't only root for Junior because he's an Earnhardt; it's because he wanted to be HIMSELF, and NOT his dad. Junior has never changed, just like his dad. He has not forgotten where he came from. My wife and I root for our drivers because we like them as PEOPLE, not for their wins. That's why we have Elliott Sadler stuff with #21, #38, and #19!!!
Ironman
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 15, 2007 10:55:05 PM
I am a Dale Jr. fan now and always no matter what. I can't blame him from wanting to go to a team that is always winning. I CAN'T stand JJ. or JG now or ever, but I will still pull for JR, I am a true fan!
Posted by: kim | Jun 15, 2007 10:15:38 PM
wyldeone,
I appreciate and respect your opinions concerning Jr. I share many of them and think he's one of the coolest guys in the sport. However, where I have to disagree is how you catagorize the the supporters of Jeff Gordon. I have been a fan/supporter of Jeff Gordon since his first race victory in the 1994 Coca-Cola 600. I had no idea back then what kind of racecar driver he would turn out to be, and a large part of the reason I started following him has to do with the way he acted in victory lane after winning. You could tell that win meant a lot to him and I connected with the happiness and emotion that he expressed.
So in response to your comment...
"I feel people only support JG or JJ cause they win, not because they're likable."
I totally disagree with that statement. Jeff Gordon came across as totally likable in that moment and in many others that I've witnessed.
Posted by: Mandy24 | Jun 15, 2007 1:11:17 PM
thanks for the welcome ironman. Ive been a NASCAR fan since i was a kid (28 now) and finally fulfilled my dream of attending the daytona 500 this year (and california/fontana the week after). So different to the TV coverage. TV seems to lose the sense of speed.
Anyway.... Ill never deny JG and JJ are great drivers, Just they dont have that 'could hang out with him' vibe. Infact, apart from there pit crew and managers, publisists etc i doubt they have much in the way of true friends. dont bother jumping down my throat for that comment :)
all im sayin is, i feel people only support JG or JJ cause they win, not because they're likable. Its like people who support Manchester UTD soccer team. Glory supporters. If Jr wasnt such a top guy, he have the same amount as fans as kyle petty, as an example. its seems you either support those who are genuine personalitys (JR, Tony S, Harvick) or those who win (JG, JJ).
its very rare there is someone who is both likeable and wins alot. Dale sr. is a prime example of that, to me at least.
I think JR's move will guarentee he continues his familys legacy, by still being the genuine star he is, and winning a championship or 7 :)
Posted by: wyldeone30 | Jun 15, 2007 11:41:08 AM
Hey, wyldeone! Glad to read that you like what we have here in The States better than F1!!!!
You bring up some good points. Junior is very down to earth, and it's hard to imagine why some people wouldn't like him. He's definitely more down to earth than JG or JJ. He's not the one with the two mansions and the chef that the ex-wife fought for, that's for damn sure!
That being said, I also don't think that Jeffy or Unibrow are going to be as unselfish as Junior would be, either. As much as I dislike Jeffy, though, I have to admit that he's matured a lot over the years, and his tribute to Dale by bringing out the number 3 flag at Phoenix was a HUGE gesture, in my opinion. I think he'd like to see Junior succeed,overall. Johnson is another story. That guy is a piece of work. After taking out damn near the whole field at Talladega not once, but twice, he couldn't find more excuses if he asked the fans to send him some. I think he's very, very much a California-Hollywood type, and you couldn't find a bigger clash than that with Junior's demeanor.
It'll be interesting, though. I'm with Junior, no matter what, and I want to see him win!
Ironman
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 15, 2007 9:52:13 AM
Elliot drove for what, 20 years. Jr's been a full time cup driver since 2000. By the time he's been in the sport for 25 years, he will have won as many as Awesome Bill.
The 70's and 80's were NOT near as competitive as it is now. Petty driving in the series with the competition as it is now-he MIGHT have won 2 titles. Dale Sr. would have more than him. Petty's equipment was head and shoulders above all of his competitors in the 60's, and 70's. Some folks make a damn good argument that Pearson was better than the King. And I felt in my gut-and have since prior to the 2001 500, that the #3 was going to win the Winston Cup that year. He had finished 2nd in 2000 and had the momentum going into '01. I meant absolutely no disrespect to Dale Earnhardt by saying that Gordon might be the best ever. Just an opinion among many opinions on the subject. Now, the next time I get pissed off at Diaper Boy 24 I'll be hammering on here that he stinks!! ha
Posted by: gretchen | Jun 15, 2007 9:46:21 AM
Being a long time Jr fan, and admittedly not a huge JJ/JG fan, i find this whole situation difficult to swallow. but, im sure i will. All i want is to see Jr win again. the guy has talent, hes always hanging around the top 10 and hes so down to earth it hurts. How can people not like him?? cause he has a southern twang?? cause he might not be the most intelligent guy around?? i wanna see him race, not perform shakespere!
Be interesting to see the faces of JJ and JG when JR starts winnng. Unless they have a big part in JR winning a race, i dont think they will be in victory lane to congratulate him. they'll be grumblin to themselves else where. Dont get me wrong, im not a JJ/JG hater, im not that bitter, and its obvious they can drive, but i honestly believe junior is a proper talent.
It bothers me that a guy has to have better equipment to win, but if thats what it takes, then thats what it takes.
I also think Tony and JR will hook up as usual, not sure about JJ/JG hooking with JR, but im sure JR would with them...... if that makes any sense.
Anyway, that my 5 bucks worth. I just hope the racing gets better, though still is the best racing i know (im from the UK, where its shitty F1 or nothing, so give me a break!! lol)
Posted by: wyldeone30 | Jun 15, 2007 6:32:37 AM
Anytime you want to debate a topic, marc, bring it on. I just call it as it is.
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 14, 2007 10:56:07 PM
ironman:
Wow, marc, that really gets your panties in a bunch, doesn't it?
Maybe I should refer to the man who pardoned RH as the IMPEACHED Bill Clinton.
That make you happy?"
Nice diversion Ironman. I could care less about Clinton.
Panties in a bunch?
Not hardly just a small mental test given to see how consistent you were. By use of a diversion to Clinton and avoidence to the question asked tells me all I need to know.
Posted by: Marc | Jun 14, 2007 8:20:07 PM
Kurt how is it down there the buzzzzzzz settlingdown ?? What did you think of that K2 robot?? order a few for pit lane lol
Should be interesting who Jr takes with him and how about the corvette for each crew member, iam sure he takes care of his guys but that would a nice touch for his crew!!!!
Been a fun week on here
Posted by: aggie | Jun 14, 2007 5:56:23 PM
Gretchen.
You have to be kidding: "And Jr is the most popular driver in the sport- hell in the HISTORY of NASCAR. " Umm no that would be Bill Elliott.Per how many years won
Also:"He is more likely than not, the best driver in the history of NASCAR. Fact is, if the competiton weren't so much more competitive during Gordon's years driving, he would have already passed Sr. and Petty for total titles."
JG is one of the best, but dont place him in the Sr and Petty category
Posted by: Kurt2 | Jun 14, 2007 5:09:53 PM
im so happy to see everybody happy....unhappy...happy.....or somethin
Posted by: kelly perkins | Jun 14, 2007 3:35:21 PM
Well, i am getting somewhat closer to dealing with this......if we really like our driver, then ALL we SHOULD care about is him winning. That's why they all drive. And who has won what, 10 of the 15 races thusfar? HMS, that's who. This doesn't mean that we have to root for the 24 and the 48. The 25 team is who's gonna be in Jr's garage. That's how HMS is divided. The 24 and the 48 share the same garage, and the 5 and the 25 share the other.
I do anticipate JJ having a big problem with this move. He is a whiner, big time, and already hates being in JG's shadow. And Jr is the most popular driver in the sport- hell in the HISTORY of NASCAR. So, I can see JJ being a little bent about this.
Gordon doesn't care. He is more likely than not, the best driver in the history of NASCAR. Fact is, if the competiton weren't so much more competitive during Gordon's years driving, he would have already passed Sr. and Petty for total titles. That pains me to say that, but it's true.
And Mears is damn happy to be where he's at- regardless of who is on his team
Posted by: gretchen | Jun 14, 2007 2:56:45 PM
Look forward to 2008! Going to be some happy Earnhardt fans! Can't wait to be the first in line to post, 'I told ya so!'.....
Posted by: dla | Jun 14, 2007 2:55:12 PM
You could be right dla, only time will tell. Jr. made the decision he thought was best for him and you could tell he was truly happy with it and that's all that really matters, that he's happy with the decision and he can go back to having fun racing again.
Posted by: Kathy | Jun 14, 2007 2:46:05 PM
Kathy,
When Jr. wins multiple races next year and wins his 1st championship title with HMS, all the 'fare weathered' Jr. fans will come crawling back and denying they ever left...LMAO!
Posted by: dla | Jun 14, 2007 2:32:56 PM
For those of you who say Jr. is a traitor or that you just can't bring yourself to root for him over at HMS, who will you root for now? Will you stick with DEI and root for Truex or pick another driver to root for completely? It's your choice, I'm not saying anything negative against you, I'm just curioius as to who you will root for now.
Posted by: Kathy | Jun 14, 2007 2:29:12 PM
Its funny watching all of this back and forth on JR. I like the guy. The one i root for each week is Kenseth. Cause he drives Dewalt. Simple as that. Im not a ford or chevy or dodge guy. Could care less. I do however like to see competition at the races. I think next year 2008..you are going to see HMS winning most of all the races just like now. Isnt that fun?? Not a bit. I like all the teams as equal as they can be. I think HMS has an edge with Nascar, always has had it. Ya i think next year RH should get rid of Mears too and pay the money for Stewart. Then they can win all the races. I am sure lots of people will tune in to watch those races. NOT. Its becoming boring folks. Bring on the football
Posted by: Mark | Jun 14, 2007 1:32:13 PM
racergirl
It's been a while since we have seen such a big smile
The AP picture was great...... with JR's luck/mystic some guy at Crest is probably calling Kelly to get in on a 10 million sponsorship deal for crest toothpaste.
The Dude just glowed yesterday, if he doesn’t already Jr will definitely have more pussy than the humane society!! They just gotta get by Kelly now as iam sure Jr will be married in the next 5 years.
Posted by: aggie | Jun 14, 2007 12:28:30 PM
jeffy,jimmy,jr,and oh yeah, casey. The "Hendrick Honeys". What a hoot!!!
Posted by: romeyreddog | Jun 14, 2007 12:15:23 PM
Should be a very interesting 2008. Now some people won't mind if HMS is dominating.... As long as Jr. is in on it.
What I think is great about yesterday is the HUGE smile we all saw on Junior's face. It's been a while since we have seen such a big smile and it was really good to see him that happy. I wish him well at HMS.
Posted by: racergirl | Jun 14, 2007 11:45:47 AM
Mandy
kelly also has this say bout about HMS
The nice thing about Hendrick Motorsports is they understand that their drivers are superstars.
Posted by: MassiveJrFan | Jun 14, 2007 11:42:56 AM
Mandy:
Driver intro's at Michigan should be interesting!
These gusy at HMS will be like the guys in Oceans 13 or like the Rock in the WWE used to say " Know your Role"
Lets see me mr clean cut for the rich white guys and babes JG
Mr middle of the road guy and west coast guy JJ
Mr most popular guy with blacks and whites living everywhere including trailer parks JR.
i vote for calling them the 3J's
Posted by: MassiveJrFan | Jun 14, 2007 10:59:30 AM
Howie, thank guy.
This blog in incredible , now iam learning NASCAR genealogy lol other day was cut copy paste, what next definition of the word suck lol
Posted by: aggie | Jun 14, 2007 10:45:25 AM
For Mike J and others
It was Robert Gee that was partner w/ HMS. Dale Jr. other granddad ( mother's father)
Posted by: Howie | Jun 14, 2007 10:33:47 AM
Correction, RH is an ex-felon as a result of being pardoned by the best President that money can buy.
Even with Junior going to HMS, I predict that the good folk of Alabama will still throw beer cans and coolers at JeffG if he wins at Talle.
There maybe a lot of egos at HMS, but there's only one person that can deal with the tension and he owns the org. Rick has that keen ability to deal with several current and past champs in his org and transitioning Junior into the bitness will be second nature with him.
Posted by: Jon2 | Jun 14, 2007 10:11:37 AM
Ironman,
Some things never change huh? How do YOU know I suck??? LOL. I'm just kidding, you can say I suck if you want and if that makes you feel better. It was kind of a weak comeback, if that's what you were intending it to be. I'm happy for your driver and I'm happy for mine, he's about to be a dad and he's on a roll. Maybe in the next couple of years, Jr. can experience the same type of streak.
As a Gordon fan, I am a bit nervous about all this change though. Jeff is and has been the top of the heap over at HMS for a long time. Now, Dale Jr. is going to take over that role at least in the department of popularity. I don't know. I'm happy I guess, but I'm going to wait and see how this all shakes out.
Driver intro's at Michigan should be interesting!
Posted by: Mandy24 | Jun 14, 2007 9:23:54 AM
Kathy i thought us Catholics had the market cornered in being hypocrites!! Now Jr fan are trying to in on the action lol
A true Fan is loyal to the person isn’t that what being a fan is all about.
I couldn't care less if junior drove one of these, here cut copy paste this into your address bar OK.
http://www.ais.fraunhofer.de/KURT2/
Posted by: aggie | Jun 14, 2007 8:57:34 AM
I think most Jr. fans are going to follow him over to HMS and root for him the same way they do now. Will they like the other drivers over at HMS? Some won't and some will accept them as Jr.'s teammates but may not root for them.
Posted by: Kathy | Jun 14, 2007 8:56:02 AM
You can tell who the true fans are. The people who were fans of Junior and now are not are all hypocrites!! Please don’t go to any more races maybe that will free up some tickets for those of us who love the sport and will remain loyal to it. You either like a driver or you don’t. It should not matter what type of car they drive or who they drive for. I remained true to my driver when he changed teams and cars because I am a genuine fan.
Posted by: Kristy | Jun 14, 2007 8:12:57 AM
Wow, marc, that really gets your panties in a bunch, doesn't it?
Maybe I should refer to the man who pardoned RH as the IMPEACHED Bill Clinton.
That make you happy?
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 14, 2007 7:45:33 AM
Ironman:
"Copout line? Like a lot of fans, I've referred to RH as a felon, BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT HE IS!"
Have you ever referred to Junior Johnson the same way? I mean really, Johnson actually served time, hard time.
So I have to ask, in writing about, or referring to him in a conversation would you say "Felon Junior Johnson" or just Junior Johnson?
And BTW, both Hendrick and Junior Johnson received presidential pardons. So if you really want to be factually correct they both would be called "former" or "Ex-felons."
Certainly you want to be accurate right?
Posted by: marc | Jun 14, 2007 7:20:58 AM
I'm sure buy now the Talahatchee bridge is loaded with Junior fans waiting to jump off. Folks get a life! This isn't life or death, and at the end of the day the drivers fly home to their mansions and you go back to your doublewide. It's all about MONEY.
Posted by: Rich | Jun 14, 2007 6:56:44 AM
Dale Earnhardt Jr. made what he thought was the best move for his career and for that I am proud of him, but since the reasons why I hate JJ and JG hasn't changed overnight I will not be able to root for them. I will however over time probably cut RH more slack. Just like I seriously doubt that Jr. bashing Jeff Gordon lovers are going to stop bashing him just because he joined HMS.
Posted by: Jon | Jun 14, 2007 5:40:09 AM
I just have to LMAO. The red nation has been divided and the Church of Earnhardt has converted. Good move by JR...of course I think he would have been successful at RCR, JGR, or HMS. It will interesting to see if the boos for 24 and 48 continue as much next year.
Posted by: NC Expat in Hong Kong | Jun 14, 2007 3:46:41 AM
understandable Ironman....
Posted by: dla | Jun 14, 2007 2:13:58 AM
dla,
Also, just because some Gordon fans might be rooting for Junior now.....that doesn't mean I have to root for Gordon! I couldn't care less if they liked my driver or not. Just because they might like my driver doesn't mean that I have like theirs.
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 14, 2007 2:11:18 AM
dla,
I know, everyone makes mistakes in their lives, and maybe RH has paid for his. After reading what I've read today, I have lightened up on him quite a bit.
As for JJ and JG, don't be so fast to think that those two won't be really jealous if Junior starts to win and they don't get the spotlight. I really think there may be conflict ahead. RH said it himself that Jeffy and Unibrow already have tension when the other wins. That being said, I think JJ will pose the bigger problem in the jealousy dept. Jeffy has accomplished just about everything a driver can, whether we Gordon haters like to admit it or not. I personally don't see Jeffy racing all that much longer, especially with fatherhood on the way. I think the bigger rivalry within HMS will be with JJ. There's only so much room there for over-sized egos. Like I said, Junior may know them and "get along" with those guys, but don't make them all out to be best friends.
Posted by: Ironman | Jun 14, 2007 2:06:47 AM
To Ironman,
I don't know if you are a God fearing man, but, if you are a believer, don't forget: 'He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone.' Dale Jr. is long time great friends with Mr. Hendrick and you can bet every dime you have in all your accounts that RH will do ALL he can to be sure Jr. is winning races and help him win his 1st championship title. You may dislike RH, Jeff and Jimmie now but, my guess, in time, you will lighten up a 'little' towards these guys when you see RH, Jeff and Jimmie go to victory lane numerous times to congratulate Dale Jr. on his numerous wins he is about to experience! You can count on that and remember this post for years to come.....(easy with the hatred Ironman...a lot of Gordon fan's are supporting your driver....easy big guy....)
Posted by: dla | Jun 14, 2007 1:35:06 AM
I agree 24Fan. Look forward to 2008!
Posted by: DA24JG | Jun 14, 2007 1:22:33 AM
DA24JG
Well said my friend. One would think that the Jr Nation would be over the moon that their driver has been given the opportunity to get in 1st Class equipment every week. That wasn't happening at TEI, and the last couple of years it's been getting worse. It was starting to look like a guessing game each week as to whether the Cars came from the shop or the scrap heap out back. Give Jr the chance to prove that with quality equipment, he is on par with the likes of JG, JJ, TS, MK...who I believe are the best four drivers on the circuit.
Posted by: 24Fan Forever | Jun 14, 2007 1:19:28 AM
DA24JG
Well said my friend. One would think that the Jr Nation would be over the moon that their driver has been given the opportunity to get in 1st Class equipment every week. That wasn't happening at TEI, and the last couple of years it's been getting worse. It was starting to look like a guessing game each week as to whether the Cars came from the shop or the scrap heap out back. Give Jr the chance to prove that with quality equipment, he is on par with the likes of JG, JJ, TS, MK...who I believe are the best four drivers on the circuit.
Posted by: 24Fan Forever | Jun 14, 2007 1:19:18 AM
Kurt,
KB is flat out one of the fastest guy out there…so young so much talent just the wrong fit at HMS. If the guy could just put on his helmet, shut up, mature a bit and drive, but you know what us ole guys say when were playing cards at geezers palace “youth is wasted on the young”.
Posted by: aggie | Jun 14, 2007 1:14:24 AM
(Wow....I feel for 'celdrami!' Definitely some abnormal 'mental' issues going on in his or her life. I truly hope you find the necessary help so you may be able to enjoy life again without the obvious issues you are currently dealing with! Best wishes 'celdrami!')
Posted by: dla | Jun 14, 2007 1:10:11 AM
DA24JG
No kidding, iam telling yah Aggie’s geico guys are in here on the loose and just when you thought you heard it all……… Jeff + Unibrow ……..i dint know they broadcast NASCAR in blueray or 2160p definition yet, what does this guy have f-18 pilot vision??
Pick and bash that goofy Delana H for wearing a fire suit on pit road.
Ironman
Mandy24, you suck.
Iam sure your at the top of her dating list now.
Posted by: MassiveJrFan | Jun 14, 2007 1:09:46 AM
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