Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
I'm a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, but there hasn't been anything to cheer about this season.
Plain and simple, no sugarcoating here at Fan Fanatic Sports, Little E has been downright terrible.
Put little old grandma in his Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 car and she could do just as well as 19th in the Sprint Cup Series points standings.
Are you serious, 19th?
Even though Earnhardt is the most popular driver -- hands down -- in NASCAR, his popularity isn't sending him into Victory Lane.
What's his problem?
I'll call Little E out and say he needs to be a better driver, first and foremost. Where's that passion to drive, to trade paint and make the key maneuvers (being aggressive) that made his dad one of the best ever?
We all know the fire is there, but it's been in hiding. He's a great driver, but he's even admitting he's not great right now.
He's eating his humble pie and it doesn't taste very good, either.
Owner Rick Hendrick -- everyone wants to drive for him -- is a great owner and puts out some of the finest race cars race after race. Plus, he wants to win and will do everything he can to make sure his cars and drivers win (Yes, just like the New York Yankees).
Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon aren't having the issues that Little E is having, so much of the blame falls directly on the driver.
But the crew chief is also a reason the No. 88 team has been putrid. Crew chief Tony Eury Jr. got the boot by Mr.Hendrick -- deservingly so since that team has been one of the worst on the track -- and that should never happen with the quality of team and driver -- and was replaced by Lance McGrew.
Granted, it'll take some time for Earnhardt and McGrew to mesh, but now is the time for the 88 team to step up.
No one likes losers, and that's exactly what they are right now.
Just watch, Earnhardt will turn it on and make the Chase. If not, expect more changes to be made.
Earnhardt better get back to his elite driver status fast because his popularity is slipping -- just like he is every week in the standings.
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ReplyDeleteChad...props on the NASCAR post. Would definitely like to see more of it. I actually just got back from my 3rd annual trip down to Lowe's Motor Speedway to watch the Coca Cola 600. Unfortunately mother nature played a roll and postponed the race till Monday, and then was cut short by roughly 170+ laps due to rain...again!
ReplyDeleteHowever your thoughts on Little E I find interesting. I've really only been paying close attention over the past couple of years. However any sports fan could tell you a few choice names associated with the race, one being Earnhardt. And although I'm not a fan, it would be nice to see him back on track. He seems to find the wrong in everything that has to do with his driving/finishes and blames it on everyone else. He just needs to step up and say hey, "I suck right now and I know it. I need to get my "S" together..." Similar to what Gordon did recently, going through his ugly divorce etc. He needs to stop putting the blame on others, shut his mouth and drive like his Dad did. Like you said, 19th place, seriously??!! For me, my money is on Carl Edwards.