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.
