September 28, 2009
Dale Junior Wouldn't be in NASCAR if His Name Wasn't Earnhardt
(And Other Silly Myths)
By Dennis Michelsen
Tune in Sirius Satellite radio or read fan blogs long enough and you will learn how biased fans can be either positive or negative about a certain driver. But sometimes the press also jumps on the bandwagon on what I call the "Silly Myths of NASCAR." Today I will look at a few of the more common weirdness that seems to be accepted as truth by too many NASCAR fans. If you see too much of yourself in these silly myths you might want to go attend a common sense seminar really soon!

Dale Junior Wouldn't be in NASCAR if His Name Wasn't Earnhardt
There is no doubt Dale Earnhardt Junior underachieved in 2009! But to suggest that a driver who has won two Busch Championships and 18 cup races in his thirteen years in NASCAR. This doesn't live up to the hopes and dreams of Junior Nation who cheered his Dad on to seven amazing championships but he has had a good career no matter what happens in the future. Only thirty six drivers in the history of the Cup division have won more races than Junior. Sure he got a better chance because his last name was Earnhardt but I would like to believe that a driver with this much talent would have impressed NASCAR owners if his name was McMurray! People either seem to love or hate Dale Earnhardt Junior and sometimes only because of his Daddy. That is sad indeed.

Jeff Gordon has Lost His Edge Since He Became a Father
The seven year period from 1995 to 2001 was an amazing time for Jeff Gordon. He won four titles in seven years and an incredible 56 races! That is an unbelievable win percentage of 25% over a seven year span. There is no doubt Jeff Gordon is one of the greatest drivers of all time. So why hasn't he been as successful the last few years? Listen to the so-called expert fans and Jeff Gordon has lost his nerve after becoming a father. The reality is the old car suited Gordon's driving style better than the new Cup car does. Also during most of that peak seven years in Jeff's career he had Crew Chief Ray Evernham calling the shots. Only one of his championships came since Evernham left to form his own team. Chemistry is an amazing thing in NASCAR racing. Jeff Gordon has not found another Crew Chief that understands how to decode his input and the new car doesn't fit his style. But Jeff Gordon has NOT lost his nerve!

Dale Junior's Problems are Because Tony Eury Jr is Lousy
It is amazing how a guy that has been gone as Crew Chief still gets blamed for Dale Earnhardt Junior's horrible season! I have even heard people saying that Junior continues to struggle because Tony Junior got the team off to a slow start. Do you really think Rick Hendrick would hire or retain and Crew Chief that was lousy at his craft? There is no room for avoiding hurt feelings in this business and an owner who has won eight of the last fourteen championships didn't get to where he is today by hiring lousy employees. Sure he has made some mistakes in drivers or Crew Chiefs that he has hired but those guys got fired! Do you really think Dale Earnhardt Junior would keep Tony Eury Junior on the payroll because he is family? Nobody in this business is kind enough to put a family member into a key role. If he was only there because he was family he would have some official title but zero responsibility. Yes it might be true that the two Juniors personalities keep them from being an effective team but Tony Eury Junior is a talented Crew Chief that has already proven himself in this sport.

Your Chance to Sound Off
Do you have a "Silly Myth of NASCAR" that irritates you? Send us your suggestion at dennis@racetalkradio.com or phone into "Doin' Donuts" at 8pm ET Monday night at 815-991-5707. The best suggestion will win a prize package that includes tickets to the season ending ARCA race at Rockingham Speedway!

Joe Castello's WFO Radio will look back at the weekend in racing. NHRA? F-1? NASCAR? Joe has you covered with his in-depth commentary on all things racing and more starting at 6pm ET every Monday night. Then it's time for Lori Munro and Dennis Michelsen on "Doin' Donuts" at 8pm ET only on RaceTalkRadio.com!