2:02 PM
JD
All the crews, except for a few, have gone home for some needed R&R.
Step inside the minds of four drivers: Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Johnson is on top of the world...again. He has broken a record...his own record of consecutive Cup titles. Yet this year is different: he is able to celebrate as a father. I think the most recent picture of the changes in store for Johnson is that of Gordon. Gordon had 12 wins from 2005 - 2007. Gordon celebrated the birth of his first child in 2007. Gordon had 1 win in the next 3 years. Johnson has had 20 wins from 2008-2010.
It is very possible that Johnson's career won't slow after this year, I definitely wouldn't say he is not the front runner for next year. But any father knows that life changes after you have children. Not only does scheduling and sleep deprovation come into play, but I believe the main issue is the ability to accept risk. Driving 200 mph and threading a needle is inherently risky.
Next, Gordon, is wondering what he is doing differently. As his incident with Jeff Burton showed, Gordon is disappointed to the point of banging his head against the wall. For many drivers a 9th place finish in the points would be a huge step forward, but for someone who several years ago could win with three wheels, finishing second is not good enough, much less 9th.
I look for Gordon to return to his hard nosed driving of the mid 1990's next year. I wouldn't be surprised if he is involved in more incidents like the one with Burton, but they will be accompanied by several wins.
Third, Martin, is hoping to go out on a good note. Martin was disappointed this year as well, but his team has been in limbo due to unknowns related to Casey Kahne's coming contract with Hendrick. Now Martin knows the end is near and I am sure will want to go out with a bang.
Plan to see Martin in victory lane a couple of times in 2011. I am sure he will be busy in the off season preparing for one more curtain call. And have no doubt, this "crazy old man" is still fit enough to whip most of the guys at the track, much less on the track.
Lastly, Earnhardt Jr, I think, is looking for a break. He seems tired of showing up, trying to work his way forward, then have a bad adjustment late in the race. He knows his lack of success is not just McGrew's fault, and is questioning what he himself can do differently. I personally feel he needs many changes. I think he needs more Nationwide or Truck Series races and less time running his Nationwide team or selling merchandise. He needs more time behind the wheel to recapture the drive to win.
I do not know what 2011 holds for Jr; probably a new crew chief, possibly another large shake up. But whatever happens in the offseason, it has to produce a new sense of focus come February. Earnhardt needs a cohesive force for his team like Knause is for Johnson or how Evernham was for Gordon, but I don't know if there is another super crew-chief out there. I, for one, hope so.
Good luck Mr. Hendrick, much to do in the next two months.
Posted in: Dale Earnhardt Jr,Hendrick,Jeff Gordon,Jimmie Johnson,Mark Martin,Nascar,Racing,Sprint Cup
1 comments:
I can also see Gordon returning to Victory Lane. Seems to me Mr. Hendrick was going to meet with the entire 88 team from driver on down in the next week or so to get a feel where that team is. I know Dale Jr is capable of winning; perhaps a crew chief change is needed. You do raise a good point about Jr needing more seat time. Perhaps 10-15 NW races is what he needs to get valuable seat time and to prep him for the Cup race the next day.
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