Junior's Got Issues

It would be a might understatement to say Dalethe equipment, and it isn't now, then it has to be the
Earnhardt, Jr., had a rough Daytona 500. From losingteam or the driver.
his pit to causing a big wreck, it was a weekend toI'm no Tony Eury fan, but there is no mistaking he
forget. Still, Junior's got other issues as well.won that gas mileage race last year with a perfect
I'll start off by saying I'm a fan of Junior. The primarycrazy strategy. That's one race. There are many
reason is he is a down to earth kind of guy youothers that could have been won except for bizarre
could imagine drinking a beer with without any bigstrategies. That being said, Tony didn't cause two pit
deal. Could you really imagine doing that with Jimmieproblems this past week and he didn't cause the
Johnson? Well, maybe a wine spritzer, but not a beer.wreck. Junior did.
Oh, and only if he mentioned his corporate sponsorThe biggest problem I see is Junior doesn't look like
every third word.he is having a lot of fun. Confidence is a funny thing.
As a Junior fan, it is easy for me to discount all theHe came to Hendrick - the enemy - because he
criticism he is getting for Daytona. My answer it towanted to win championships. It looks like he might
suggest it is just one race. The winner of Daytonahave some doubts now. Whether you are competing
rarely goes on to do much during the season, so itin business, sports or life, you are in trouble when
really isn't that big a deal. Don't get me wrong.you lose your confidence.
Daytona is great, but having a bad race is not theI would give the team till the middle of the schedule
end of the world. Last years winner, Ryan Newman,to get things fixed. If it looks like nothing is
finished 36th after all!improving, Rick Hendrick should step in and move
Despite being a Junior fan, I have to some doubts.Tony Jr. out. He should then bring in a big hitter that
The early years at DEI were good for both thehas one championships - someone Junior is going to
team and Junior. He won and the races were exciting.have the utmost respect for. Do that and Junior can
Now? One gas mileage victory in a few years. Theconcentrate on racing with the confidence of
last years with DEI were filled with bad equipment,knowing he has a champion on the other end of the
but Hendrick is the top team in NASCAR. If it isn'tmike.