[Racer Duck]

as Jr said, it's not about the money or the equipment; it's about the owner. he's had a long (and enjoyable) history with Hendrick. some folks don't like Hendrick, others hate him with a passion, but there's a large number that like the guy. Jr's one of them and he made a choice to go where he's most comfortable.

Jr didn't express a concern about his fans. he feels they'll either stay or go, but he didn't make the decision for his fans - he made it for himself.

I say: "Good for Jr. - now, let's get back to racin'!!!"

[Farf]

Originally Posted by jks812

Well at first I wasn't to happy about it. Still not happy about it but I can see the good in it. He will be getting good equipment now. So I guess now we'll know if it's the driver or the equipment. I still don't see how I'm gonna be able to pull for a Hendrick car to win, but I guess I'll have to figure it out. At first I thought about abandoning ship, but heck, I can't really do that.

The car doesn't make the man. I'm pretty sure that his driving style will stay the same even though he's switching teams. I keep thinking about some of the races that were won by the Hendrick Motorsports. Some of them, they did have the best car, but others they didn't. They have the uncanny ability to capitalize on other driver's mistakes.

I truly think that Dale had some of the best equipment at DEI, but maybe he didn't utilize it, but I think most of it's been the constant distractions and the shaky foundation.

To be honest, I'm not sure his move will change anything. Just because he moved from DEI to Hendrick, that doesn't change the fact that his stiffest competition still exist. Look who he'll have for team mates. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. And even Casey Mears. Casey might not have the best record, but he's becoming more consistent.

And even those who aren't going to be on his team, look at Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. He's got others like Matt Kenseth and Martin Truex Jr. And the Busch brother's aren't going anywhere soon. His move doesn't change the fact that these guys want to win too.

[Lefty Noob]

Right, the car doesn't make the man. Perception or reality, though, is that HMS has the best gear, the best cars, the best crew. The bottom line for Junior is this: now you have no excuses. Time to start winning on a consistant basis, son, if you want to shut your critics up and prove that you belong among the NASCAR elite.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

The bottom line for Junior is this: now you have no excuses. Time to start winning on a consistant basis, son, if you want to shut your critics up and prove that you belong among the NASCAR elite.

Thats what I was thinking to. Now he'll have some of the best equipment and we'll see how good he really is.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by jks812

Thats what I was thinking to. Now he'll have some of the best equipment and we'll see how good he really is.

Yeah, no doubt -- the pressure's really going to be on for him in 2008, big time.

[jks812]

Did you hear Hendrick when he said the pressure for him is going to be that if Jr don't win it's the equipment and if he does win it'll be his talent? I don't agree with that. I say when the same person drives for different teams and still don't win, while other members of the teams do, it's not all because of the equipment.
Jr might get a win next year, but I don't think he will. He's got a whole new owner, crew members,equipment and all to get use to.

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by jks812

Did you hear Hendrick when he said the pressure for him is going to be that if Jr don't win it's the equipment and if he does win it'll be his talent? I don't agree with that. I say when the same person drives for different teams and still don't win, while other members of the teams do, it's not all because of the equipment.
Jr might get a win next year, but I don't think he will. He's got a whole new owner, crew members,equipment and all to get use to.

Didn't see it, but from the sound of it, this is good strategy by Hendrick. He's trying to take some of the heat off of Junior and put some on himself, but you're absolutely right, the focus and blame (if they struggle) will clearly be on Junior, and everyone knows it. But like a good boss should, Henrick is trying to divert that already. It won't work, but it's a class move.

[jks812]

After watching it, I think (oh my this is hard to say.....lol) Jr made a pretty good move. I think he will be better off and maybe he'll start winning again now.

[Quality88]

Okay, everyone can relax now... take a load off... and do whatever you put on hold... myself.... I think I'm gonna puke, but that's me. Now I can say that the only drivers I like in Hendrick are Terry Labonte and Dale Jr.

[tbalt]

You guy's are correct saying Hendricks has "some" of the best equipment but I don't think the Best. I still think Gibbs would have been a better fit for Jr. Two of the Gibbs drivers were in line for at least 5 races that Hendricks ended up winning if bad luck wouldn't have got in their way.
Tony and Denny have led 1311 laps combined this year but Jimmy and Jeff have led 1312 laps combined, how close is that? Seems like both teams have very great equipment but luck has only fell one way this year so far.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by tbalt

You guy's are correct saying Hendricks has "some" of the best equipment but I don't think the Best. I still think Gibbs would have been a better fit for Jr. Two of the Gibbs drivers were in line for at least 5 races that Hendricks ended up winning if bad luck wouldn't have got in their way.
Tony and Denny have led 1311 laps combined this year but Jimmy and Jeff have led 1312 laps combined, how close is that? Seems like both teams have very great equipment but luck has only fell one way this year so far.

Very good point. He would have been a better addition and replacement for Yelley.

[tbalt]

Originally Posted by Quality88

Very good point. He would have been a better addition and replacement for Yelley.

Yep! that was my thought too...

[tkj24]

Originally Posted by tbalt

You guy's are correct saying Hendricks has "some" of the best equipment but I don't think the Best. I still think Gibbs would have been a better fit for Jr. Two of the Gibbs drivers were in line for at least 5 races that Hendricks ended up winning if bad luck wouldn't have got in their way.
Tony and Denny have led 1311 laps combined this year but Jimmy and Jeff have led 1312 laps combined, how close is that? Seems like both teams have very great equipment but luck has only fell one way this year so far.

Jeff and Jimmy's laps have been when it counts more though.

[tbalt]

Originally Posted by tkj24

Jeff and Jimmy's laps have been when it counts more though.

My point though is that Hendrick's is not the only team with good equipment. Your right though they were in the right spot at the right time.