2008 could be a break-out year for Dale Jr.
The outcome will be partially dictated by the information that is shared between Chad Knaus, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Steve Letarte to Dale Jr. and Tony Eury.
Currently I have more questions than answers, like everyone else, I wish that I had some way to look ahead into the future.
Obviously The Knaus/Johnson camp has the upper hand on everyone within NASCAR by turning in the desired consistency two years running.
The multi-million dollar question is… “Just how does Chad and Jimmie accomplish this?”
If Dale Jr. comes right off the line in the Daytona testing, and is matching competitive lap times with Jimmie and Jeff, then most likely the team “secrets” are being shared.
If Dale Jr. lags behind and does not run competitive lap times with his new team mates, then the information sharing is selective.
Chad Knaus is obviously one smart man, whose knowledge of car setups is spectacular to say the least. Given the growth of the sport of stock car racing, the procedures of NASCAR’s tech inspection must grow along with the growth of racing technology. Might NASCAR need to step up their inspections of some new technology within these COT cars? Chad’s car adjustments have appeared to be right on the money every pit stop of every race, so I’d like to offer “kudos to Knaus” for being steps ahead of everyone.
While Dale Jr. is in the adjustment curve being the “newbie” at the Henderick camp, I am glad to see that he is expanding his business sense, even if it is by building a bar in Charlotte called “Whiskey River!”. No doubt, this bar will become the number one hot spot in and around Charlotte within the months to come. There is a “Whiskey River” Entertainment Center located in Macon, GA, Jr.’s Whiskey River will become a tourist attraction upon the doors swinging open!
Will Jr. and Eury really be accepted as part of the Hendrick team?
Our answer will only be discovered as we all watch the 2008 season unfold.
As we all observe this season, I am sure that I will revisit this subject, as it can go either way.
It should just be interesting to see how it all unfolds…
Until next time….
Robyn Snell
Senior Staff
Home of the Stock Car Gazette
www.motorsportsnews.net
Are you serious?
They share at HMS. I don’t know why this is so hard for folks to understand.
Stevie and Jeff knew what Chad and Jimmy where running in the chase, they just thought it was to aggressive.
Its pretty clear from the speeds Jr ran at testing today and yesterday that all info was shared. And Tony Jr and Jr figured out to get some more cause they’ve got the fastest single car lap yet..
I think every one at HMS will get along with Jr and Tony Jr just fine.
If Jr has poorer finishes than his Hendrick brethren it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t sharing the “team secrets”. He just may not be the same caliber of driver.
Oh, here we go. It’s starting already. If Junior can’t compete, it’s always someone else’s fault.
How much you wanna bet if Jr. starts beating his teammates, he and Tony Jr. get accused of not sharing what they know with them? We can debate it all we want, but the truth is no one knows what goes on behind closed doors.
Being a fan of the 24, I still have to say Knaus is probably the best CC in the garage. Did he share, I think yes, problem is Jeff and Jimmie like different setups. If Jr is half the driver everyone seems to think he is, he will do great. But I see Kyle Busch in the 18 being the biggest problem for all the Hendrick teams this year
Everyone is right except the the Kyle Bush remark – he is a total unknown with a new team and new car There’s plenty of potential challengers out there. LET’S RACE!
The competitive nature of the individuals at Hendrick Motorsports will allow them to share “almost” everything. That is as it should be. Teams should share but only to a point. There should be a few secrets even between good teammates. They are racers after all.
Anyone notice that Casey was left out? Jeezzz, poor kid!
Yep I noticed no talk of Casey. I hope he kicks both Jr and Jimmie’s butts this year. Not Jeff though cause he’s my favorite
As for sharing, the speeds at testing prove that Jr has access to the same equipment and info as the rest. How well he drives it has yet to be seen.