It has been since 2008 the last time Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was in victory lane. It’s that number that prompted Hendrick Motorsports owner, Rick Hendrick to make some changes.
It was only two days after Hendrick won the NASCAR Sprint Cup title that he moved Earnhardt to the 24/48 shop and renamed it 48/88.
The move teamed up Johnson and Earnhardt in the same shop for the first time.
The move was necessary as Earnhardt had only three top fives and just eight top 10 finishes.
He has struggled with the new cars and finding the balance needed to run a complete race. Earnhardt midrace rants were usually the talk after the race on message boards by fans.
Earnhardt multiple times defended his rants saying people read into them too much. Still the results were not there and Earnhardt, Hendrick and his fans were left with more questions than answers.
Earnhardt underperforming reached its boiling point in 2010 and his partnership with Lance McGrew had run its course.
Earnhardt is now paired with Steve Letarte and looking to get back on track and to his winning ways.
"But if you can hack it, that's about the only bad thing about him. He's got a great disposition, he's got a great personality, everybody knows what kind of guy he is. And even as young as he is, it's surprising when you hear what his age is, because he just seems so mature, far more mature than that. I trust what he's going to be able to do. I tell him every day, I'm ready to go to the track, I'm ready to go to the track, let's do it. I just want to get around the new group and get to know everybody and form the most solid foundation we can relationship-wise throughout the team as soon as we can, before we get to the race track."
2011 will be a big year for Earnhardt and this team. For this team (formerly 24 team) they haven’t missed the Chase since 2005 with Gordon.
LeTarte is a cheerleader. He will keep Earnhardt pumped up but also make sure that the feedback he is receiving will be constructive.
Earnhardt’s feedback will be very important and Letarte will make changes and explain how they will help the car in the short or the long run.
That will be good for Earnhardt and allow him to see the bigger picture.
Earnhardt has the talent to win races and compete for the Chase but can he find the confidence that he had in 2008?
That will be the one key for him. If he has a few poor races or struggles early will you hear the comments on the radio like we heard in 2010?
I am hesitant to say that he will make the Chase. If the results are there then I believe he can but he has to run consistent throughout the season.
Earnhardt will contend for the Chase but making the Chase will be dictated on their early season success or troubles.
All views expressed are solely that of the writer.
Photo:hendrickmotorsports.com
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