[mcclainbabygirl]

Well we'll see how he qualifies and races this weekend!!

[CRMartin]

I think it's all on Jr. When he really decides he wants to go after something, there seems to be no stopping him. If he sticks to racing and driving to win, then he will have a good year. A lot of winning is mental.

[pennyman]

I have been following Junior since his beginnings in Busch and until mid-way through last season, I was a big fan. Unfortunately, Dale either needs to get serious about his sport or retire and go back into the garage at DEI to work on development.
He spends virtually no time in the gym and far too much time in bars and playing video games. He's out of shape, both physically and mentally.
After Dale Sr. died, Jr. was hot and fired-up. We all thought he was going to be another "Terminator". Unfortunately, the endorsements came rolling in, the money poured in, and Junior had so much money and fame that he didn't need to race hard. The sponsors are starting to shy away, too. Notice Levi's has started to replace his ads, NAPA will be next and as soon as his contract with Budweiser is up at the end of this season, you will see them looking for a replacement too.
Don't get me wrong....I love the whole Earnhardt clan, including Junior. I just thinks it's a shame to see the way he's lost his nerve and is deserting his fans.

[Team Yates]

Pennyman: We all thought he was going to be another "Terminator". Notice Levi's has started to replace his ads,

Dale Sr. was known as the "Intimidator" and Wrangler is the sponser, not Levi's.

[Noah]

I like Dale Jr. however I don't think he lives up to his potential and he has big shoes to fill

[rmjvol]

Welcome to GoTeamsGo, Pennyman & Noah. Good to have a couple more race fans here.

No doubt that Jr has seen a ton of success quickly. All the cash must be a little overwhelming. Not that I'm excusing him but I'd probably find it hard to focus if I was in his shoes.

[Noah]

Thanks for the welcome, enjoying my stay here!

[Nevadastars]

Pennyman,

No offense, but I dont think you have a clue as to what you are talking about. Your statements are totally off the cuff. "Terminator", "Levis" "lost his nerve and is deserting his fans" are testimony to that.
How do you know what he does in his personal life and that he is "out of shape"? Nascar is a very tough business to stay on top in. Even his dad had a few years of mediocrity.
I can't begin to imagine the pressure he must be under being the son of Legend. He is not his father and never will be, nobody will. He will bounce back though, its in his blood.

[jamminj]

I agree with rmjvol. And I'd also like to add a theory of mine.

I think that big E KNEW racing. He was the leading expert on plate driving when he passed. His knowledge and attention to detail helped DEI dominate.

I just wonder whether DEI has been withdrawing from the knowledge bank, without making any deposits. I mean, after they lost their expert, who was there to fill in? I think DEI has rested on their laurels and let teams like Hendrick and Rousch leave them in the dust.

The Jr.-Jr. pair (Earnhardt/Eury) was the best shot DEI had at staying on the leading edge of NASCAR technology. They lost a lot of ground with last years reshuffling (Eury serving as Waltrips Chief).

[indyNASCARgirl]

Originally Posted by KENVOL

I hate to say it but I don't think "Little E" has it together yet. As I am a Gordon fan ( and he doesn't either.) They both seem to be racing to not lose instead of racing to win. For some reason they just don't seem to want it as bad as they used to. They just aren't on the edge for some reason. I hope they both can turn it around though.

Ahh yes another Gordon fan! I'm not alone anymore! I certainly hope that this year will be different for the both of them.

[stephanie]

Jr stinks the only reason he has all the plublicity is because of his dad. I cant stand how in the nascar commercials with a few of the drivers Jr. is in everyone of them.He didnt have to work for his fame it was handed to him.

[WVGrandma4Kasey]

Originally Posted by pennyman

I have been following Junior since his beginnings in Busch and until mid-way through last season, I was a big fan. Unfortunately, Dale either needs to get serious about his sport or retire and go back into the garage at DEI to work on development.
He spends virtually no time in the gym and far too much time in bars and playing video games. He's out of shape, both physically and mentally.
After Dale Sr. died, Jr. was hot and fired-up. We all thought he was going to be another "Terminator". Unfortunately, the endorsements came rolling in, the money poured in, and Junior had so much money and fame that he didn't need to race hard. The sponsors are starting to shy away, too. Notice Levi's has started to replace his ads, NAPA will be next and as soon as his contract with Budweiser is up at the end of this season, you will see them looking for a replacement too.
Don't get me wrong....I love the whole Earnhardt clan, including Junior. I just thinks it's a shame to see the way he's lost his nerve and is deserting his fans.

I'm sorry but I have to disagree. Drivers put their lives on the line every race. Sure they get the big bucks, but they wouldn't be racing if they didn't want to win. I'm glad they can have some fun in between. And Jr is Budweiser, no one could replace him, Budweiser knows that too. His fan base is to big. Smoke is an admitted couch potato, hasn't hurt his driving. I don't see how you can say he has lost his nerve or deserted his fans. Your statement leaves me

[Smoke842]

Originally Posted by indyNASCARgirl

Ahh yes another Gordon fan! I'm not alone anymore! I certainly hope that this year will be different for the both of them.

LOL, you really had to search to find another 24 fan, didn't you? From a few months ago, ha ha, just kiddin. But there is a current poster that loves the 24. That would be Blue.

[lilsexy08]

I believe Dale Jr. is in the running for the championship this year, he got ripped off last year! I hope he does win besides Tony! LOL!

[lilsexy08]

Your just jealous with envy Stephanie! Just kiddin-don't take it personal you know how I am sometimes! LOL!