Anybody else think this comment sounds like any other Earnhardt?

Question

Speaking of his most recent engine failure at Marty, Junior was quoted as saying, “I am not upset at all, I put those tailpipes on those other boys' ears so they could hear we were on seven cylinders and still driving by them.”

For the record: Since 1980 there have been 142 engine related failures reflected in DNFs in 54 races at Marty.

Those DNFs don't reflect the actual number of engine problems as many were able to finish just like Junior did Sunday.

Here's the link:
http://www.racing-reference.info/tracks?id=149

The name "crunch" has nothing to do with my driving ability. It's a nickname I've had for nearly 40 years and it stems from what I did to defensive linemen nearly twice my size. It was given to me by one of my teammates, a defensive tackle, and embraced by everyone on the team who had happenstance to feel the sting.

Thanks justin. You understood the question perfectly. I've been a fan of the Earnhardts for nearly 50 years.

Seven cylinders at Marty is normally a slight, fleeting advantage.

I posed the question for the attitude reflected and I never claimed he had a competitive disadvantage.

I don't believe Junior said it to imply he was at a disadvantage either but rather to let his team and fans know that regardless of the situation, he is going to do all he can to get one before the end of 2007.

A less competitive soul, out of the chase and nearing the end of a run with an owner he has had major differences with may have quit.

Junior won't quit and will continue to get the best out of his equipment without crying or pointing fingers.

He's a talented driver and a class act in need of a class ride.

That need will be filled come February.

One should never forget that with the twilight of Gordon's career approaching fast, Hendrick is staking the future of HMS on Junior.

Smart people can see what Teresa chose to ignore.

Answer 1

Did he "rattle " anyone's cage? That's what I always think of Earnhardt telling the reporters after he's wrecked another more qualified driver to steal the win.

Answer 2

Wow Gracious, I think either you or I misunderstand this question. I do think that sounds exactly like something his father would have said, and I don't think it's an insult to anybody. He was just telling the other drivers and the fans "Hey, my car sucks but i'm still runnin better than you!". I love that attitude. In one short interview he sent a message to everyone:
1. If you hit me, I'll hit you back. I won't be pushed around. (Sounds just like his dad)
2. I was runnin with a crap engine and still top 5. What's your problem? (nothing wrong with rubbin it in a bit)
This was one more example of DEI/RCR engines not being up to the task. Their engines are very fast as long as they hold together. I honestly think that they will figure it out and be very fast next year and with much fewer gremlins. It's obvious that they've figured out how to make power with the R07, now they just have to work on the durability. The only problem is that other teams have already got that down..........Hendrick being one of em.

Answer 3

Some folks in this forum's logic completely escapes me. How does a driver go from 2 blown engines in 2006 to 7 this year and it's all the driver's fault? Hmm no don't think so. You act like Jr's the only one to blow a DEI engine this year, yeah ok he's gone through the most of the 12 but still, sh*t Truex killed one in 75 laps at Fontana in the spring. No it has nothing to do with the engine dept at DEI, it's all Jr. And let's not forget the Talladega debacle, oh wait that was Jr's driving ability also, not the engine dept again.

Answer 4

All you so called NASACAR fans (Jr. Fans) should know sometimes if a car is not handling all that great; ie; over powering off the corner or brake fade getting into the corner, a car will be faster on 7 cylinders. It will not over power the track by spinning the rear tires and not going quite as fast into the corners the car may actually be faster. It's not the great JR's ability.

Answer 5

Just wait till next season! Junior will do Great! He's gonna have the Best equipment, he's gonna show lots of people just how good he is! And he just might rattle lots of cages too!
Just wait and see!!!!!!!!
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Answer 6

Jr didnt drop a cylinder till about 30 to go. He just had inconsistant misses all day. With 5 or 10 to go, it finally let go.

Answer 7

everyone loves to rag on Jr., but let's be realistic, how many drivers can win with consistent engine problems?
As far as sounding like his father, bring your whiny butt over to my house and make that statement and I'll bet you'd be pickin' your butt off the ground.
Funny how little people can run their mouths about Legend's, after their death....
You probably would never have known NASCAR existed of it weren't for the likes of the Earnhardt's and Petty's in this world...

Oh, yeah, and "crunch" is probably what happens to all of your sissified street cars that you own(I mean wrecked), oh, the reason, you can't drive......

Answer 8

How do you blow an engine at Martinsville? You did not just ask that question! I have seen engines blow at our local bull ring in Franklin County VA. Do some research and study up.
Jr not only sounded like dad but drove like him too. BOUT TIME! EVEN ON SEVEN CYLINDERS!
I liked his comment in the car around lap 168. Basically saying hey yall got any old junk engines laying around in the shop you can put in this thing? I am getting tired of this.
Jr has way too much class and love for his fans and his crew than to do what he should do and intensionally blow every engine at every race early. simple to do, miss a shift (wink wink) and redline the crap!
See you in Daytona fool! How do you blow an engine... Geesh! LOL

Answer 9

Why is everybody blaming Earnhardt? The reason he keeps having engine trouble is that his step-mom is still peeved that he wouldn't do exactly what she wanted. When Jr. asked for control of DEI , his step-mom thought he was out of line to do so (which he wasn't). Now knowing that Jr. is leaving for Hendrick the remaining DEI employees feel betrayed and now focus on the other drivers in the operation leaving Earnhardt with the rejected equipment. He still finds a way to drive that thing to the front but the equipment won't keep up. That was a problem before and was a reason for Jr. going to Hendrick in the first place.

Answer 10

He might as well make light of a bad situation!!!!!!

Answer 11

Yep, Jr was wild yesterday, I know he has to major frustrated with all this...yes even with the 7 cylinders he was giving it all he had, he had some humor in it..He had quite a bit of his dad in him yesterday and he drove like it also....All this wouldn't be so bad if he was back in the pack all day, but dang he even led some laps, and was in major contention...Yep Jr sounded like a real Earnhardt yesterday, and drove like it as well.. To bad the engine croaked again...
Oh well on to super equipment next yr, this will all be behind ya..I'll be in Daytona cheering you all the way...

Go Dale Jr & HMS in 2008