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LAIDBACK RACING.COM

HE WHO HAS THE MOST FUN AT THE

CHECKERED FLAG WINS!

When the story broke that he was going to Hendrick Motorsports, I start cruising the Junior and Hendrick message boards out there to see how the fans were reacting. I was pleasantly surprised.

On the Hendrick message boards, the fan’s were pretty welcoming to Jr and his fans. They pretty much were happy with the whole deal. A few went to the Jr. boards to say hi and welcome them which many of the Earnhardt fans appreciated.

On the Jr. boards, the majority of his fans are Ok with this move. Some said it wasn’t the place they would pick for him but they would be a Junior fan no matter what. (Of course they would rather he join RCR. But you know what? That wasn’t the best place for Jr. to go and get out of the shadow of Ironhead.) Some said if you can’t beat join them. Some said it was what made the most sense; if you want to win championships go to where championships are won. (Hey haven’t I heard that somewhere else...oh yeah I said it).

Anyway, the majority of his fans are OK with this move and that is great. They are his REAL fans. They repeatedly wrote that just seeing how happy and relaxed he was at that press conference sealed the deal for them. Hearing how he and Rick share a history, made them soften on the decision. Knowing that Rick Hendrick understands Jr. and can relate to him on IMPORTANT matters like losing some one related to you, made them soften on the decision. Rick Hendrick understanding the importance of getting Jr. to the next level, made them soften on the decision. Hearing Jr. say that Rick kept his grandfather on the payroll years after he ceased be a “competent worker” and that meant a lot to him, made them soften on the decision. And I am happy for Junior that he has these fans. He deserves them.

http://www.laidbackracing.com/Articles2007/JH21.html