Comments on: Dale Jr. Isn’t Just Another Pretty Face http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/ A blog by insiders for outsiders Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:30:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: 18PrefersWinsOverTeeShirts http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-9069 18PrefersWinsOverTeeShirts Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:50:42 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-9069 LMAO @ " He DID make the Chase last year" Wow, like that was a great feat driving for the best team in NASCAR. He is darn well expected to make the Chase. Junior is good, but thats all, good. He is in the Harvick, Hamlin, Biffle etc tier, not the Johnson, Gordon,Edwards, Busch etc one. If Junior fans would accept his true level, then they would a) be less disappointed each week b) More palatable to non-Junior fans! Nice guy, but waaaay Over88ted for sure! LMAO @ ” He DID make the Chase last year”

Wow, like that was a great feat driving for the best team in NASCAR.

He is darn well expected to make the Chase.

Junior is good, but thats all, good. He is in the Harvick, Hamlin, Biffle etc tier, not the Johnson, Gordon,Edwards, Busch etc one.

If Junior fans would accept his true level, then they would

a) be less disappointed each week
b) More palatable to non-Junior fans!

Nice guy, but waaaay Over88ted for sure!

]]> By: Sandra http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8478 Sandra Fri, 29 May 2009 22:32:51 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8478 While I'm all for diversity in Nascar, with today's economy I don't think timing is right for Danica. As for JR, he has been my driver since he started in the "Busch" series and will be as long as I live. He's a GR88 race car driver who has had to endure more hardships than most of us. Does anyone remember who had to stand up for his daddy in 1981..JR; just think about his age at the time (26?) and he's the spokesman for Dale Sr.'s family, DEI, etc. But, it didn't end there. He shouldered that burden for YEARS while TE hid from everyone. Was that fair; no, but he felt a responsibility to his father, Taylor and DEI. Best thing he EVER did was leave DEI and go where he is welcome, has a real boss in Mr. H and he'll be just fine. He just needs a break so he can work with the new company structure without the negative media and so-called fans. While I’m all for diversity in Nascar, with today’s economy I don’t think timing is right for Danica. As for JR, he has been my driver since he started in the “Busch” series and will be as long as I live. He’s a GR88 race car driver who has had to endure more hardships than most of us. Does anyone remember who had to stand up for his daddy in 1981..JR; just think about his age at the time (26?) and he’s the spokesman for Dale Sr.’s family, DEI, etc. But, it didn’t end there. He shouldered that burden for YEARS while TE hid from everyone. Was that fair; no, but he felt a responsibility to his father, Taylor and DEI. Best thing he EVER did was leave DEI and go where he is welcome, has a real boss in Mr. H and he’ll be just fine. He just needs a break so he can work with the new company structure without the negative media and so-called fans.

]]> By: Diane http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8476 Diane Fri, 29 May 2009 20:36:13 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8476 Thanks TJ for telling the bashers that Dale Junior is a good driver. I think it is a high compliment coming from someone in the sport that sees how hard he drives every week. Thanks TJ for telling the bashers that Dale Junior is a good driver. I think it is a high compliment coming from someone in the sport that sees how hard he drives every week.

]]> By: BankerBill http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8475 BankerBill Fri, 29 May 2009 20:07:45 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8475 NASCAR is certainly a very interesting body, one where its fans flat out expect much more than any other body of supporters in any other sport. Who knows why Jr and Jr did not work out. Who knows why they are both in a slump. The good news here is that they are both supporting an incredibly intelligent man, their team owner, Rick Hendrick. I believe this change will generate a good deal of positive direction for the 88 bunch and hopefully see Dale Jr. resume his winning ways. It has been written that the 5 & 88 teams do not work as cohesively as the 24 & 48..well, just imagine the intrigue of having a duo like Jr and Jr invading your space. This was the most hyped up move in NASCARs history and could well have gone a long way to making it difficult for Eurey and others to settle in with any kind of soft landing at Hendrick. Tony is a very intelligent and talented man who should be a huge asset to the Hendrick organization. And as for Junior, I am tired of reading that he is a talented driver, but not as talented as his father. His Dad won 7 Championships in very different times. How would any of us like to face that challenge EVERY day in your life? Dale Jr. is racing in a very fast changing environment, one where his entire race team and world went completely upside down just as he was coming into his own in February 2001.He did not ask for the fan base from his father. He likewise did not state that he would drive like his father...indeed if you look at his driving style in those early years when Sr was on the track, it was clear that they drove in two completely different styles. I am the bigggest Sr. fan out there, however with the vanilla flavour of the sport these days, he would spend more time in the penalty box than on the track.It is sad, but true. Sr and Jr are two different individuals living in two differrent times. I is flat out simply not fair or correct to compare. I am a fan of NASCAR and will always be. I am not happy that Toyota has been welcomed into this hallowed American sport, however that is a topic for another discussion and I am still a fan of NASCAR! In short, support Tony Jr. Support Dale JR and Support NASCAR....Obviously we all like it more than many of you say, otherwise, why are so many writing in to air their problems with the Sport? NASCAR is certainly a very interesting body, one where its fans flat out expect much more than any other body of supporters in any other sport. Who knows why Jr and Jr did not work out. Who knows why they are both in a slump. The good news here is that they are both supporting an incredibly intelligent man, their team owner, Rick Hendrick. I believe this change will generate a good deal of positive direction for the 88 bunch and hopefully see Dale Jr. resume his winning ways. It has been written that the 5 & 88 teams do not work as cohesively as the 24 & 48..well, just imagine the intrigue of having a duo like Jr and Jr invading your space. This was the most hyped up move in NASCARs history and could well have gone a long way to making it difficult for Eurey and others to settle in with any kind of soft landing at Hendrick. Tony is a very intelligent and talented man who should be a huge asset to the Hendrick organization. And as for Junior, I am tired of reading that he is a talented driver, but not as talented as his father. His Dad won 7 Championships in very different times. How would any of us like to face that challenge EVERY day in your life? Dale Jr. is racing in a very fast changing environment, one where his entire race team and world went completely upside down just as he was coming into his own in February 2001.He did not ask for the fan base from his father. He likewise did not state that he would drive like his father…indeed if you look at his driving style in those early years when Sr was on the track, it was clear that they drove in two completely different styles. I am the bigggest Sr. fan out there, however with the vanilla flavour of the sport these days, he would spend more time in the penalty box than on the track.It is sad, but true. Sr and Jr are two different individuals living in two differrent times. I is flat out simply not fair or correct to compare. I am a fan of NASCAR and will always be. I am not happy that Toyota has been welcomed into this hallowed American sport, however that is a topic for another discussion and I am still a fan of NASCAR! In short, support Tony Jr. Support Dale JR and Support NASCAR….Obviously we all like it more than many of you say, otherwise, why are so many writing in to air their problems with the Sport?

]]> By: ronboeagle http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8473 ronboeagle Fri, 29 May 2009 17:33:18 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8473 What if the two of them hooked up you know she could drive his NW car. I agree with your post. Just wish they pulled the plug 2 weeks ago. I can't wait to listen to his in car Sunday. What if the two of them hooked up you know she could drive his NW car. I agree with your post. Just wish they pulled the plug 2 weeks ago. I can’t wait to listen to his in car Sunday.

]]> By: mr .ed http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8472 mr .ed Fri, 29 May 2009 16:05:38 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8472 Dale can drive he just needs the right team people and to get his head in the game.And for Danica I hope she stays where she is I just have no respect for her she needs to keep her clothes on and show she can drive .We do not need more Eye candy.If no one wants her in indy she will come to na$car.I hope they keep her in the trucks or lower till she proves herself.And last This is a great site and a must read and many many more great posts GOOD LUCK GUYS Dale can drive he just needs the right team people and to get his head in the game.And for Danica I hope she stays where she is I just have no respect for her she needs to keep her clothes on and show she can drive .We do not need more Eye candy.If no one wants her in indy she will come to na$car.I hope they keep her in the trucks or lower till she proves herself.And last This is a great site and a must read and many many more great posts GOOD LUCK GUYS

]]> By: Ryan http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8471 Ryan Fri, 29 May 2009 15:11:46 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8471 Tc, first you did not bash Danica or Glorify Jr in any way. Second while I think that Tony Jr has some blame as to why Dale's setups were off, I think that alot of outcry over Tony Jr is not fully deserved. He is a good crew chief and a very smart man ( look what he did for Mikey at DEI a few years ago ) I do agree with Neon that Dale needs to learn to communicate better what the car is doing. I have heard his in car chatter and sometimes he complains about the car, but doesn't really tell them what it's doing or what he needs. I am a Jr fan and I hope this change is just the thing he needs to get better on track performance. Congrads on the 400 and 2000!!! You guys ROCK! Tc, first you did not bash Danica or Glorify Jr in any way. Second while I think that Tony Jr has some blame as to why Dale’s setups were off, I think that alot of outcry over Tony Jr is not fully deserved. He is a good crew chief and a very smart man ( look what he did for Mikey at DEI a few years ago ) I do agree with Neon that Dale needs to learn to communicate better what the car is doing. I have heard his in car chatter and sometimes he complains about the car, but doesn’t really tell them what it’s doing or what he needs. I am a Jr fan and I hope this change is just the thing he needs to get better on track performance.

Congrads on the 400 and 2000!!! You guys ROCK!

]]> By: T.C. http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8470 T.C. Fri, 29 May 2009 14:52:20 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8470 Indycarwest: So because I wrote a post sticking up for Dale Jr., that includes calling Danica what she is, I'm glorifying and bashing? I don't believe I said one thing about Danica that isn't true. Her performance just isn't there, and she is popular because of the fact that she's a female competing in racing. If you can dispute either of those things, then we can discuss whether I was "bashing" her. And pointing out Dale Jr.'s statistics and discussing his troubles a little bit doesn't appear to me to be glorification. Glorifying Dale Jr. would be like if I called him "the greatest driver to ever live!" I don't believe I did that... Indycarwest: So because I wrote a post sticking up for Dale Jr., that includes calling Danica what she is, I’m glorifying and bashing?

I don’t believe I said one thing about Danica that isn’t true. Her performance just isn’t there, and she is popular because of the fact that she’s a female competing in racing. If you can dispute either of those things, then we can discuss whether I was “bashing” her.

And pointing out Dale Jr.’s statistics and discussing his troubles a little bit doesn’t appear to me to be glorification. Glorifying Dale Jr. would be like if I called him “the greatest driver to ever live!” I don’t believe I did that…

]]> By: Neon http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8469 Neon Fri, 29 May 2009 14:21:22 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8469 TC-I am onboard w/ 99%. While JR and DP both have cult followings, at least JR has a pretty solid resume to justify some of it. I do think JR’s meteoric rise and always good equipment in the climb has hurt his ability to dissect what the car needs and wants. Perhaps, however, not properly preparing him for changing conditions. JRs always been a roll off the truck good = race good driver. With 18 Cup wins and 22 Nationwide (still Busch to me) wins, consider these stats and you decide if JR has adapted to tracks and cars (COT). (5) that’s a hefty 28% of (18) Cup wins came at Talladega, last being in ’04 pre-COT. Add Daytona’s (2) wins and 39% of his Cup wins were on restrictor plate tracks where DEI cars were virtually untouchable back in the day. Heck, even Mikey won (2) 500’s in DEI restrictor rocket ships. Pepper in (3) Richmond, (2) Phoenix, and singles at Dover, Michigan (’08 COT), Chicago, Texas, Atlanta and Bristol. That’s very limited success in COT, while JJ/Knaus learned early on the COT tricks and JG/LaTarte are getting better after struggling. My point as an outsider is…JR “can” drive a race car. JR has trouble communicating how to set up a car for range of adjustability for changing race conditions and then systematically giving feedback for the entire 500 mile race “process”. IMHO if JR and Lance will work open and honestly with each other, JR can learn to adapt and compete effectively. Congrats on 400th post! TC-I am onboard w/ 99%. While JR and DP both have cult followings, at least JR has a pretty solid resume to justify some of it. I do think JR’s meteoric rise and always good equipment in the climb has hurt his ability to dissect what the car needs and wants. Perhaps, however, not properly preparing him for changing conditions. JRs always been a roll off the truck good = race good driver. With 18 Cup wins and 22 Nationwide (still Busch to me) wins, consider these stats and you decide if JR has adapted to tracks and cars (COT).
(5) that’s a hefty 28% of (18) Cup wins came at Talladega, last being in ’04 pre-COT. Add Daytona’s (2) wins and 39% of his Cup wins were on restrictor plate tracks where DEI cars were virtually untouchable back in the day. Heck, even Mikey won (2) 500’s in DEI restrictor rocket ships. Pepper in (3) Richmond, (2) Phoenix, and singles at Dover, Michigan (’08 COT), Chicago, Texas, Atlanta and Bristol. That’s very limited success in COT, while JJ/Knaus learned early on the COT tricks and JG/LaTarte are getting better after struggling.
My point as an outsider is…JR “can” drive a race car. JR has trouble communicating how to set up a car for range of adjustability for changing race conditions and then systematically giving feedback for the entire 500 mile race “process”. IMHO if JR and Lance will work open and honestly with each other, JR can learn to adapt and compete effectively.
Congrats on 400th post!

]]> By: Bobby#7Fan http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/2009/05/28/dale-jr-isnt-just-another-pretty-face/comment-page-1/#comment-8467 Bobby#7Fan Fri, 29 May 2009 13:31:14 +0000 http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/?p=1592#comment-8467 I am a fan of Dale Jr., he's not my favorite driver, but I like him. I do stick up for him when others say he has no talent. There was a stretch of time when Jr. won 17 races and the only other drivers to equal the win count in that same amount of time were Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson. I would not want to be Dale Jr. not for any amount of money. The day his father died by default became the biggest day of his career. Millions of fans switched to him overnight and expected the world. We all knew the crew chief change was coming and I will have Jr. on my fantasy team at Pocono. How many times have we seen a crew chief change and them the team goes on a roll immediately? It may not happen here, but I predict a great improvement very quickly. I am a fan of Dale Jr., he’s not my favorite driver, but I like him. I do stick up for him when others say he has no talent. There was a stretch of time when Jr. won 17 races and the only other drivers to equal the win count in that same amount of time were Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson.

I would not want to be Dale Jr. not for any amount of money. The day his father died by default became the biggest day of his career. Millions of fans switched to him overnight and expected the world.

We all knew the crew chief change was coming and I will have Jr. on my fantasy team at Pocono. How many times have we seen a crew chief change and them the team goes on a roll immediately? It may not happen here, but I predict a great improvement very quickly.

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