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June 14, 2007

Junior's Legacy Examined-
Would Daddy Be Happy?
By Dennis Michelsen
Unless you left for a three-day trip to Mars you know all about Dale Earnhardt Jr's move to Hendrick Motorsports. There is no doubt that Junior picked his destination based on his desire to win. Published reports and stories told to me behind the scenes indicate that he was offered big money to leave Chevy for Toyota but didn't even listen to the offers. In fact the news is that Rick Hendrick and Dale Junior came to a decision on this before money was even discussed! But what will this do to Dale Earnhardt Jr's legacy? Would his Daddy be happy with this move?

Earnhardt Nation Split
Earnhardt fans hate Jeff Gordon with a passion. Now their favorite guy Dale Junior who is treated more like a god than a racecar driver is teamed with the guy that most of Earnhardt Nation considers the son of Satan! On one hand Junior fans want him to win, but on the other hand they still want to hate Jeff Gordon! Will this throw a split into Earnhardt Nation with his Daddy's hardcore fans leaving Junior while Junior's fans are happy with the move? While the Silly Season drama is over this whole story will just continue to be entertaining!

No Room in the Inn?
When Rick Hendrick said, "There is no room in the inn," did anyone believe him? That was perhaps the most blatant out and out lie we have seen in Silly Season in a long time! (No surprise coming from Mr. Hendrick!) Hendrick Motorsports can now be called the "New York Yankees of NASCAR" with three of the biggest names in the sport driving for the same team! The question though is whether that is too many studs in one barn. Sometimes chemistry between the players is crucial to getting a winning formula. Will Jimmie Johnson be happy with Junior stealing attention away from his Championship reign?

Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle
The two most coveted free agents in the NASCAR garage now are Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle. While their story doesn't have the sizzle factor of Dale Earnhardt Jr, (Nothing would except possibly the return of Elvis!) both drivers have the ability to win races at this level. The rumor mill has Kyle Busch leaving Hendrick ASAP and ended up at Ginn Racing with Mark Martin finishing the season in the No. 5 car. Perhaps this will give Mark the cover he needs to race the rest of the season! Greg Biffle is likely to end up over at Dale Earnhardt Inc, but he would be a big draw for the Toyota camp too!

Silly Season 2007 will always be known as Junior Season! Dale Earnhardt Jr's departure from the team is Dad built to the team of his archrival is sure to throw a wedge right in the middle of Earnhardt Nation! The ironic thing is that while Gunner's Dad will be livid, I think old man Dale would be proud of his son. No matter whether you loved Dale Earnhardt or hated him you had to admire his goal of doing things his own way. Now his son has started his new beginning by building his own legacy. JR Motorsports has instantly become a driver development arm of Hendrick Motorsports giving Junior his own dynasty to build! This ain't his Daddy's NASCAR…Dale Junior has shown us all that the times they are a changing. The Intimidator would be proud!

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