Bump-Draft Blog Index
January 15, 2008
Junior speaks

Junior3011508.jpg Photo courtesy of Pepsi
I listened in on a teleconference featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. today. Some of the things I heard:

He said that he doesn't have the peace of mind of not being the son of the boss anymore. He said he used to be able to get away with saying things and getting away with it while working for his "daddy."

However, he said it is also refreshing not to have that security net because he's wanted credibility and respect. By going out on a limb, he is hopefully going to earn that.

While he didn't have to worry about job security in his other job, he does have to worry about that now. He said he doesn't know the guys in the shop that well and he's nervous about them liking him and just getting to know them.

He said his only expectation for this year is to run up front. He wouldn't get into guessing games as to how many races he would win this year. (he was asked that question)

Here are the testing speeds from this morning.

All for now.

Posted at 01:39 PM

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Comments

It's put up or shut up time for Junior. I like the guy and think he has plenty of talent, but I always question why a driver is not happy at a top rated team (see Kyle and Kurt). Rides are hard enough to come by as it is, let alone turning away from good equipment. I never play the "he's only there because of his dad" card, but does Hendrick sign him if he's not?

Posted by son of racefan
January 16, 2008 05:26 AM

I always got the impression Kyle was happy at a top rated team, just kind of hard to stick around with that team when they say they don't want you any more because Junior is taking your ride.

Posted by SJH
January 16, 2008 10:35 AM

Though I'm a Stewart fan, I am anxious to see how Junior does this year. I would like to see him succeed. A fresh start on his own may do him good.

Posted by racefan
January 16, 2008 12:15 PM

You're a Tony fan? Goodness, I would have never figured that out. Because of equipment, Junior will be just a little better than the 10th-15th place driver he was at DEI.

Posted by SJH
January 16, 2008 04:20 PM

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Jennifer is the newsroom
administrative assistant and executive
assistant to the editor for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. She is married, lives in Pownal with her husband and son, and has been following NASCAR for many years.

About this blog:
I am hopeful that this will be a place where people can air their two cents' worth about a race, catch up on the gossip and share their opinions on the rules and regulations of NASCAR. I have always felt that there has been a need for such a place in Maine and that this blog helps to fill the void.



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