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Little E, Little W's
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Junior, please win another race. Every week I get together with my father and cheer you on. Just one victory would make my weekend complete. But lately, the wins are not coming. In fact, the only thing coming is vacation my friend. If you don't get your act together you will miss out on the Nextel Cup Chase for the second straight year.
We all know how disappointing it was last year when Little E missed the big one. No, not the "big one" at Daytona but the chase for the Nextel Cup. It was like Christmas without presents, Halloween without candy, and football without the NFL Sunday Ticket. I was so bored that I almost changed the channel to watch figure skating on ESPN 2.
Just a few weeks ago, Dale Earnhardt Junior was sitting in third place for the Nextel Cup standings. Junior was primed for a run at the top and he had all his fans salivating over thoughts of a Nextel Cup championship. But, like a FOX summer reality TV show, he fell out of the top 10 in two weeks. So as we all try to catch our breath and wait for the room to stop spinning, we are shocked to see that Junior is in eleventh place 15 points out of the chase.
Two weeks ago, at New Hampshire International Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Junior blew an engine and was forced out of the race. He finished dead last in the Lenox Industrial 300. But, his interview afterwards was upbeat and kept all of his fans still feeling good about his chances despite slipping down a few spots in the Nextel Cup standings. Junior spoke proudly of his crew and vowed to be back next week for the Pennsylvania 500. Little did he know that the bad luck would continue.
At Pocono Raceway, Junior's fans saw their hopes crushed again when Earnhardt was spun out by Dave Blaney and crashed into the wall. Blaney hit Earnhardt from behind sending millions of fans into a frenzy. Junior had another last place finish and another devastating hit to his Nextel Cup standings.
There are six races left until the chase for the Nextel Cup. Junior needs to finish in the top 15 for every race to have a shot at making the chase. Every week we see drivers go up and down the Nextel Cup standings. In fact, with every lap there is a lot of movement in the standings. But for Junior to assure a spot in the chase he needs to eliminate a few things.
First thing to eliminate is any thought of a repeat performance from last year. Junior has been more consistent this year after reuniting with Tony Eury Jr. Eury and Earnhardt hashed out their differences and got back to the basics.
The next things to eliminate are car problems. I know that this is a tough one but everyone has a job to do and if Junior can't even drive a good car then there is no chance of making the chase for the Nextel Cup. Let's make sure those engines are solid and won't break down during a race. Check those tires; we don't need any blowouts that will cost us laps or even a race.
Make sure the pit crew is on top of their game. Practice everyday if they have to, but no more screw ups. Don't' drop the fuel can, the jack, or anything else. Don't leave a tool on the car or cause any unnecessary delays that might hurt track positioning.
Lastly, Junior needs to drive smart. Don't race other drivers early on unless it is for the lead. Don't force the car to do something if it is not handling well. Avoid accidents at all costs. Don't go below the yellow line to pass anyone and don't drive like Tony Stewart.
I am sure there are a few more technical things that could be eliminated but this isn't NASCAR 101 and I don't have a degree in car mechanics, aerodynamics, and/or fuel conservation. I am a fan like everyone else. I am a fan of Dale Earnhardt Junior. Any chase for the Nextel Cup that doesn't have Junior in it, is a chase for the remote to change the station. Go Junior.
Double R
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