[PenelopePitStop]

Interesting perspective ...

NASCAR.COM - For Earnhardt Jr., 3 may not be the magic number - May 12, 2007

[Mike24]

Yeah. Like I said before, Jr says he wants to create a legacy for HIMSELF, not being in the shadow of Sr. I know some fans want to see this, but they need to realize Jr will make a decision for his comfort, not theirs.

[jks812]

I don't want to see him in the 3. He said in his interview that he doesn't want to drive it either unless it is around the last year or so of his career. So I really don't think it'll happen.

[Souporscotty]

I was never in favor of retiring #3 before. Now I am. Then there would be no more of this wll he/won't he, should he/shouln't he.

[oncea3fan]

if jr. wants out of sr.'s shadow then he better stay away from the #3, now how about the #31 bud car and the #3 AT&T car, burton was tobe sr. replacement.

[Racer Duck]

I particularly like the writer's last line:
But for now, the No. 3 belongs exactly where it is, locked inside the hearts of the people who watched it go around the track.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

I particularly like the writer's last line:
But for now, the No. 3 belongs exactly where it is, locked inside the hearts of the people who watched it go around the track.

I agree. I remember when they had some celebration and Richard drove the 3 car around the track in front of the pace car. I didn't even watch none of the race that day. That just kind of spoiled the race for me. Now as hard as it is for some of the fans to see that car, can you imagine how hard it would be for Jr to drive a 3 car? I know my daughter was killed in a camaro and we had one also. I never rode in it again and we finally had to sell it. So I know alittle of what he might go through.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by jks812

I agree. I remember when they had some celebration and Richard drove the 3 car around the track in front of the pace car. I didn't even watch none of the race that day. That just kind of spoiled the race for me. Now as hard as it is for some of the fans to see that car, can you imagine how hard it would be for Jr to drive a 3 car? I know my daughter was killed in a camaro and we had one also. I never rode in it again and we finally had to sell it. So I know alittle of what he might go through.

I know what you mean. There are experiences in our lives that are unpleasant and certain things become the label that represents that experience. The first time I heard Chris Kristopherson's "Why Me Lord" was at my brother's funeral. Now I can never hear that song without remembering that sad time in my life. The black #3 holds the same significance in many people's lives.

[jks812]

I imagine it really does for Jr. So I wish they would stop trying to pressure him into the 3 car. He said in his interveiw he didn't want to drive it. And now every time they show someone talking about it they bring up the possibility of him driving the 3, well almost everybody.

[LSC9901]

So this is my take on it. He said he does not want to drive the #3. Can it be anymore clear to everyone ???? The unclear part is why. In reality I don't care. My guess would be that it's bad enough being compared to his father period. Why jump in Dad's car and try to be everything Dad was ?? He neither wants or needs that. Why would you inflict that pressure on yourself when you don't have to ???

What I want to see next year is if he can perform any differently with the team of his choice versus working in a situation he is not happy with. 99% of the hypothetical opinions out there are all subject to our own thoughts and very little factual information. A year from now the picture will be far more clear than it is today ... at least that's my opinion.

[PenelopePitStop]

I would just like to add this ...

While I would love to see that ol' black 3 on the track, it wont bring Sr. back. I don't want to get all psychobabble on you, but I think somewhere in the recesses of our subconscious mind, that is what we want.

That said, if Jr. does drive the black 3, and he hits the wall--and you know he will eventually--that'll bring me right back to that fateful day at Daytona. I really don't want to relive that day.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I would just like to add this ...

While I would love to see that ol' black 3 on the track, it wont bring Sr. back. I don't want to get all psychobabble on you, but I think somewhere in the recesses of our subconscious mind, that is what we want.

That said, if Jr. does drive the black 3, and he hits the wall--and you know he will eventually--that'll bring me right back to that fateful day at Daytona. I really don't want to relive that day.

I'm one who is not salivating at the thought of the black #3 hitting the track. In fact, I rather they retire the number and thus end all this useless speculation.

I am with LSC .. we'll know this time next year if Jr. improves or not with a different team. But whichever team it is, it'll be Jr.'s choice, not ours.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

I'm one who is not salivating at the thought of the black #3 hitting the track. In fact, I rather they retire the number and thus end all this useless speculation.

I am with LCS .. we'll know this time next year if Jr. improves or not with a different team. But whichever team it is, it'll be Jr.'s choice, not ours.

Agreed. I'd rather keep 3 in my memory and historical footage. I wish the 8 would follow Jr. as it was his grandfather's number, but I guess that won't happen.

So much banter on this topic, huh?

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Agreed. I'd rather keep 3 in my memory and historical footage. I wish the 8 would follow Jr. as it was his grandfather's number, but I guess that won't happen.

So much banter on this topic, huh?

I always likes the idea of the number belonging to the driver, not the owner. It gives the fan base something other than a mug shot to swoon over... (or a six-pack in Edwards' case )