Earnhardt & Hendrick:Two Biggest Names In NASCAR Join Forces
There was an earthquake in the most popular American sport today. The MSM mostly ignores NASCAR, but each weekend hundreds-of-thousands (yes, that’s right) of Americans gather in speedways around the USA to watch this exciting home-grown racing sport.
Today, the two biggest names in NASCAR today officially bonded. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announced he’s joining Hendrick Motorsports for the 2008 NASCAR season. Rick Hendrick and Junior’s late father were close friends, and Junior grew up with Hendrick’s son, Ricky, who was killed in a plane crash in 2004. But there’s more to Junior’s decision than just old family bonds.
“I wanted to find…the team that was right for me as a person and where I could compete for championships,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “As I sit here today, I could say with complete honesty that I have found and accomplished that goal.
“We talked with many teams, but one stood out above the rest and it became apparent to me the man I wanted to drive for. I’ve known him since childhood. He competes with integrity, and most importantly, he wins races.”
With that, Earnhardt Jr. introduced Rick Hendrick, whose drivers have amassed six championships and 159 race victories since 1984. This year, Hendrick’s four drivers have won 10 of 14 points races, with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson winning four each and Casey Mears and Kyle Busch each winning once.
Hendrick and Earnhardt are winning names for NASCAR. Not only in race wins, but in marketing. Alone, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. brings in 30% of all revenue from NASCAR-related marketing items. That is astounding.
Of course the big question for Charlotte race fans, and fans of Junior is this: “How can we root for Junior when we still want to boo at Jimmie Johnson & Jeff Gordon?”
We will find out next season.
-Bruce (GayPatriot)
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[...] Original post by GayPatriot [...]
Pingback by Politics: 2008 HQ » Blog Archive » Earnhardt & Hendrick:Two Biggest Names In NASCAR Join Forces — June 13, 2007 @ 10:43 pm - June 13, 2007
Dale joining Hendrick Motorsports is a giant step forward for both of them. Although Dale fans tend to hate Jeff Gordon,
Dale and Jeff are good friends and have the utmost respect for each other. And when the Dale fans realize their man is now on a winning team, they will come around. It won’t be long that they will no longer throw beer cans at Jeff.
Comment by Cecil — June 13, 2007 @ 11:55 pm - June 13, 2007
There was an earthquake in the most popular American sport today.
That’s strange. I didn’t hear any big news out of the NFL today.
Comment by Chase — June 14, 2007 @ 12:21 am - June 14, 2007
The operative words were most popular sport, not most prima donna sport.
Comment by ThatGayConservatives — June 14, 2007 @ 5:38 am - June 14, 2007
Well I would be one of those who like don’t like Jeff or Jimmie-don’t really care for anyone at Hendrick. I am not a huge Jr fan, but I do like him, not sure I like the idea of him driving for Hendrick, I mostly don’t like Jimmie because of his association with Jeff.
I am kind of surprised that Childress didn’t go out his way to get Jr, although he may have tried, but couldn’t quite sweeten the deal enough.
My opinion is that DEI isn’t going to see much success from here on out though-without Jr they don’t really have much.
Comment by just me — June 14, 2007 @ 7:38 am - June 14, 2007
Of course the MSM avoids NASCAR like the plague – unless they are trying to demonize its fans by being “racist sexist bigoted homophobes” because it fits their template.
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — June 14, 2007 @ 12:13 pm - June 14, 2007
Well, when you said “sport” I thought that would disqualify NASCAR.
NASCAR is entertainment.
And the CBS Evenings News did do a story on this the other night.
Comment by Chase — June 14, 2007 @ 8:00 pm - June 14, 2007
#7 – “And the CBS Evenings News did do a story on this the other night.”
Oh, puh-leeze. Talk about “entertainment” in place of news. I guess you haven’t heard Dan Rather’s side of the argument. As if See-BS is considered a trustworthy source.
Chase, your posting says so much about you and your beliefs, it’s frightening.
Regards,
Peter H.
Comment by Peter Hughes — June 14, 2007 @ 10:44 pm - June 14, 2007
LOL! I like your statement about rooting for Jr while booing Jimmie Johnson and Gordon. I suppose the fans will come around eventually.
As for his move to Hendrick, I think that was a good move. Hendrick is a winner and I think that’s what Junior needs – to get on a team that knows how to win.
As for DEI, I agree with “just me”. I think DEI is going nowhere fast!
Mike Smith
Comment by Dale Jr 88 Gear — May 17, 2008 @ 1:11 am - May 17, 2008