The Dale Trail

This is a great blog.
I maintain a blog for The Dale Trail, a tour of Dale Sr.'s hometown of Kannapolis as well as info on race shops.
I hope you check it out!

Thank you
I looked at your site and it is awesome everyone should check it out!

http://daletrail.wordpress.com/

Earnhardt Jr.: Extra 100 miles can be tough

Dale Earnhardt Jr. says that drivers definitely notice that the race this weekend has an extra 100 miles tacked onto it.


As he and his Hendrick Motorsports team prepare for Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. says that everyone is aware they are getting ready for the season's longest event.

"As a driver, you definitely notice it's another 100 miles," he said. "All of a sudden you're riding along and a switch kind of flips on you where you start to feel like you could lose focus or concentration. Physically and mentally, it's a tough race. Some races go better than others as far as that goes. There are times you get mentally exhausted, but I know I've never completely lost concentration. It's a challenge, that's for sure."

At Lowe's Motor Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. has earned four top-five and eight top-10 finishes. He has one win at the 1.5-mile track, where he claimed the 2000 all-star, non-points event. He has led 236 laps in races there.

This Sunday, the event begins in the daylight and ends late at night, requiring changes to be made to the car over the course of the race.

"I don't think I know anyone who has a real lock on how you set your car up perfectly for starting in the day and finishing at night," he said. "The track obviously gets a lot faster, and you know that you have to anticipate a lot. The good thing is that it's longer, and you have a better chance of hitting the nail on the head with the setup because you have a longer time to think about it and more opportunity to work on the car. Patience is a key, too."

To keep up with the changes that the car needs, crew chief Tony Eury Jr. says he needs constant and accurate information from his driver. That will help the team make the transition and try to stay with the leaders.

Earnhardt Jr. continues to seek his first win with Hendrick, the team he joined this season, and is riding a streak of 73 races without a victory. He didn't run as well as hoped in last week's Sprint All-Star Race, but this race is longer, and the team is bringing a new car for it.

"Driver feedback is very important to us during the race, and Dale Jr. is great at giving detailed feedback," Eury said. "He lets us know what's going on. I think we were all surprised at how much the handling of the cars changed over a 25-lap run the other night during the all-star race.

"We're going to have to build some adjustability in the race car. Saturday night the car started out tight and then went bad loose. It's going to be a tough, long race. I think people will pit at every opportunity to work on these cars. • We tested the car, and it was really fast, so I'm hopeful. I'd love to win at Charlotte; it's my hometown track."

Eury Sr. sanctioned for Nationwide scuffle

Three members of Brad Keselowski's team, including crew chief Tony Eury Sr., were penalized Wednesday for participating in post-race altercation with Denny Hamlin's crew on pit road at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Crew members from both teams scuffled after late race contact between the two drivers in Saturday night's Nationwide Series event. Keselowski ran into the back of Hamlin under caution, and Hamlin retaliated by hitting him back.


The drivers finished second and third in the race, and their crews had to be separated in the impound area.

Eury Sr. was fined $1,000 and placed on probation until June 25.

Michael Sandlin, a team member for JR Motorsports, was suspended one race, fined $1,500 and placed on probation until Oct. 15. NASCAR said Sandlin failed to follow a directive from a NASCAR official and had inappropriate contact with a NASCAR official during the post-race altercation.

Jordan Allen, another JR Motorsports crew member, was fined $1,500 and placed on probation until Oct. 15 for failing to follow a directive from a NASCAR official and inappropriate contact with a NASCAR official.

3 Doors Releases Citizen / Soldier Following Dale Earnhardt Jr Sponsorship

My new 3 Doors Down CD just arrived from Amazon. Citizen / Soldier is the 2nd track – it’s the song that was on the hood of Dale Jr’s car during the All Star Race. The whole CD really rocks – no wonder Junior wants the band on his car – it makes you want to put the pedal to the floor and just drive.

This is not the first time Earnhardt has collaborated with the band. "I have a longstanding relationship with Brad Arnold and the band 3 Doors Down,” Dale Earnhardt Jr said. “I was in the video 'The Road I'm On' a few years ago and have kept in touch with Brad. The song they recorded, 'Citizen Soldier,' is a great tribute to the National Guard."

Brad Arnold, the 3 Doors Down front man, was inspired to write Citizen / Soldier following the mobilization of 50,000 citizens into National Guard soldiers in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.


From Citizen / Soldier:

When that moment finally comes, I’ll be there to help

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care, I’ll be right there

Citizen / soldier – holding the light


I am listening to the CD now as I rip it into iTunes. I’ll listen to it again later on my iPod.


I recommend buying this CD

Dale Earnhardt Jr named the bar in his basement Whisky River -- Now the real Whisky River is open.

Located in Uptown Charlotte in the EpiCentre complex, Dale Jr's Whisky River is now open.

Dale Jr has partnered with Chris Epstein, a longtime Charlotte bar and nightclub operator, in the business deal.

Earnhardt plans on featuring live music and entertainment, along with plenty of flat-screen TVs, and even a mechanical bull.

It.s a place to go and hang out with your friends, have a beer, and maybe a burger or some hot wings.

Dale Jr and Epstein have landed a great location for the bar. It's right across the street form Charlotte's Bobcat Arena, and just a stone's throw from the site of NASCAR's new Hall of Fame.

The EpiCentre complex is a new development in the heart of Charlotte that stands on the former site of the Charlotte Convention Center.

The $275 million development includes retail and office space, a hotel, a park, and several restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining. A 53 story condominium project is also in the works.

If you're in Charlotte be sure to visit the EpiCentre and check out Dale Earnhardt Jr's new bar.

The Fox broadcasters Couldn't Apologize Enough for Kyle Busch After He Wrecked Dale Earnhardt Jr Saturday Night.

Dale Earnhardt Jr was leading with 4 laps to go when Kyle Busch turned his Toyota hard into the side of Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevrolet.

Earnhardt quickly went from the lead to a 16th place finish after running at the front of the pack all night long.

I guess if Kyle Busch can't out run you -- he will wreck you.

What was really strange was the way Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds couldn't apologize enough for Busch after the crash that took Earnhardt out of contention.

Before the race:

After turning the fastest lap in practice Friday -- by three-tenths of a second -- Dale Jr could only manage a 22nd place qualifying effort for Saturday night's Sprint Cup Series race.

Dale Earnhardt Jr returns to the site of his last win Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway, where he will roll off the line from a 22nd place qualifying position. Earnhardt posted a 21.636 second time around the three-quarter mile oval. His time was 0.241 seconds slower than pole-sitter Denny Hamlin.

Junior has 3 wins at Richmond, seven top-5s and nine top 10 finishes – he has led 322 laps here.

Tony Eury Jr, crew chief of the No. 88 team, loaded car No. 88-490 on the hauler for Saturday night’s Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400 race Richmond. It's the same that Earnhardt drove to at Phoenix last month where he finished seventh.

Dale Jr told the story of his first Richmond win recently, saying "That was a great night. You always remember your first win and hope it's not your last.”

He also noted that his last Cup win came here, “The last time I won was at Richmond seems like forever ago, but I try not to think about it. I don't want to be thinking of how long it's been since a win. Knowing we have a shot at it every week and something or another happens can make it frustrating. We couldn't be doing anything different to prepare -- the team and everyone at Hendrick has been working so hard. It will happen."

Earnhardt made no secret about his love for Saturday night short-track racing. "There is no reason why we shouldn't show up at Richmond this week and run awesome. Short tracks like Richmond fit my driving style. I was used to running at places like Myrtle Beach,” Earnhardt said. “I've learned how to get around short tracks."

Dale Earnhardt Jr at Richmond


• Three wins, seven top fives, nine top 10s
• Average finish of 11.3
• Average Running Position of 12.9, sixth-best
• Driver Rating of 89.9, 10th-best
• 96 Fastest Laps Run, seventh-most
• Series-high 334 Green Flag Passes
• 1,401 (58.4%) Laps in the Top 15, 10th-most
• 124 Quality Passes, eighth-most

Dale Earnhardt Jr Scores 10th place finish at Talladega

Dale Earnhardt Jr made it plain that he didn’t intend to go to Talladega and ride around at the back of the pack like his teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson did last year. “I think Talladega, you've got a lot of fans in the stands. You do what you've got to do to get up front,” said Earnhardt.

“They would definitely want to see you win the race and maybe they'd trade just you leading that last lap for that win. Maybe they'd trade that for leading a lot of laps in the middle part of the race, I'm sure. But if you're going to do both, do both.”

“I want to be up toward the front anyways to stay out of any accident that might be happening or could happen behind me. The further you are toward the front, the safer you are as far as that goes. So it's just easier being able to pit being on pit road. If you're in the Top 5 and leading the race, it's a whole lot easier to get out of the pit box and do what you need to do.”

Jr. Nation whoo hoo

Hi, I'm just so happy about this Monday they are getting to race N'wide go Jr go have fun and be safe Vegas here they come the week will be short whoo hoo Enjoy hey Jr. Nation I got flagged over at !!!!!!! for writing Dale Jr .com on the blog to see if buddies where over here too: I thought they where kinda together wow wrong""" hee hee Great top ten way to goo

Dale Jr. - Nationwide Series?

Do any of you know how many races in the Nationwide Series Dale Jr. is planning to run? I had thought I heard only 9, but he is on the entry list again for Vegas which means he will have run the first 3 already...and then 9 seems too small of a number because I know that he is probably running Daytona again and I also saw he is running Homestead?

Just curious. I can't seem to find anything regarding how many races he is running.

The Kyle/Dale Jr debate

The racing season is barely starting and already all the message boards/blogs etc are claiming that Rick Hendrick is gonna miss Kyle.
First of all, you all make it sound as though JR forgot how to drive a car. He had a top 10 finish in Daytona, won the shootout and one of the duels, and was caught up in a accident in Cali. The fact that he was in that certain spot when Casey hit the wall, has absolutely nothing to do with his driving skills.
I really dont beleive that Rick Hendrick is gonna/or does miss Kyle. Alot of things that I have read would have Mr Hendricks neck already in the noose for having let such a talented driver go. I am not a Kyle fan but I do admit that he can drive a car. He is a very talented driver, as is Dale Jr. BUT what Rick now has is a relationship with his driver. A very close bond and I beleive he has the same with all the Hendrick drivers. Sometimes (even in business) that is more important than any amount of wins that someone can or cannot rack up. HMS is not hurting by any means and I dont believe that Rick will have to sustain himself on ramen noodles and soda crackers until one of his drivers wins another race.
Wins are important, but sometimes, mutual respect and admiration goes a lot farther than a W in the win column.

DALE JR

Today Hubby and I were shopping at our Mall. I was buying Shoes. While I was there I found myself doing an interview. So after we were walking and at our Mall was the National Guards. They had this big I mean BIG poster of Dale Jr in there window. I went inside and I asked how can I get one of the posters. Now just to let u know. My friend was in last week and they told her she can not get one. HAHAHAHA on her. They gave me one. It was big to carry around the mall. Right now its in my livingroom. I have to find a place for it. See if I can't get to Jr I'll just bring Jr to me. Well I wish it was the real Jr. In the place a female Soldier she likes him to. She said I love his Wrangle jeans Ad he does. I told her I would love to see whats under that. Well her and I laughed and the Guys that were there shook there heads, Sorry. He the man is Smoking HOT!!!!!!!!!! So now i have this poster hanging on my wall of my livingroom.Thats all right with me. Hubby said I CAN put it above our bed.

Dale Earnhardt Jr and Kasey Kahne Internet Radio Fan Shows

Dale Earnhardt Jr and Kasey Kahne Internet Radio Fan Shows

Tune in every Tuesday night starting at 9:00pm EST for The 88 Nation - The Dale Earnhardt Jr Fans Show

and then at 9:30pm EST tune in for The Kahne-Do Show - The Kasey Kahne Fans Show.

Both shows are live and broadcast over the internet on our station at http://www.monksmedia.com

My favorite driver is Dale Jr and my wife Mary Ann her favorite driver is Kasey Kahne, so we decided to do shows hosted by fans for the fans.

Tune in every Tuesday night starting at 9:00pm EST

Yahoo Takes Swipe at Junior

Tonight on RaceTalkRadio.com as we always do we were covering the press conferences live from Atlanta Motor Speedway. In one of his questions to Kyle Busch a reporter made a sarcastic comment about Dale Earnhardt Jr. ("You were let go from Hendrick to make way for Mister Popularity..."

This seemed to me to be a very unprofessional way of asking the question.

Does this bug anyone else?

The complete interview can be heard on RaceTalkRadio.com by clicking on the LISTEN LIVE button until around 7pm ET on Monday.

Jr to run throw back scheme at Darlington

Looks like the 88 is going to have the old school Mountain Dew throwback look at Darlington. Looks like the car design on Shifting gears. You can see the car on atthetrackracing.com. DW is gonna be thrilled.

LET'S GO RACING BOYS AND GIRLS!!!

Earnhardt Jr. fights through tough race for strong finish

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was hard on crew chief Tony Eury Jr. during Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

He admits that now, but says that his car was simply out of control for most of the Kobalt Tools 500, leaving him to battle it into position. After the race, he realized that lots of drivers were in that same position.

“That was interesting today to be out there,” he said. “I do say that. I’m glad that’s over with.”

Despite the rough run, Earnhardt Jr. continues to lead the Hendrick Motorsports contingent and is still still the team's only driver in the top 10 in the standings.

Asked about the tire that Goodyear brought to the race, Earnhardt Jr. said that the company does a good job overall, but that a poor choice was made when it came to selecting a tire for this race. While the tire is safe, he says that drivers were unable to really race and that they had to let competitors pass them instead of racing for position or else they would have wrecked.

Making matters worse was that Earnhardt Jr. and Eury didn’t seem to agree with the decisions made throughout the race. Earnhardt Jr. kept asking for the car to be set up so that it would drive the way it did in the opening segment of the race, but that didn’t seem to be happening.

“You sort of figure what your game plan is as far as, [do] you want to go stiffer on the right front [tire] or let the right front fall out from
under it as the race goes?” he said. “They don’t make a tire that’s exactly the same as every other tire, so you can’t have the same exact set every set. They’re going to change some.”

So the crew chief puts them in a sequence after deciding which way to go with the change, then can flip that if the driver complains. Earnhardt Jr. said his group went the wrong way at the start of the race, making for a long race for the driver and crew chief.

“I just made it really hard on him,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “You know, just in his ear all the time about trying to get on his ‘A’ game, help me out, help me out, because the car was just out of control. And you just don’t like driving cars like that.

“But he’s my cousin. He’s tough. That’s why I guess more than anything, besides his talent, I guess that’s why I got him – because he’s the only one that would put up with me.”

Despite the criticism, Earnhardt Jr. fought to stay in contention and rallied to a third-place finish.

He’s off to a strong start to the year with only a crash at California to mar his opening four races. Earnhardt Jr. is sixth in the standings – and intent on staying there. While the Hendrick driver has dismissed talk of the pressure he’s facing this season, he’s clearly intent on getting back into championship contention.

“I’m desperate, you know, just to get in the top five and the top 10 every week when the car’s capable of doing it,” he said. “There’s a real sense of desperation there the last half of the race not to mess it up. We had a good finish going.

“So I don’t want to miss the Chase. The sky might fall.”

Jr was looking tired

During the interview during the Nationwide race a few minutes ago. Now don't get me wrong, he's still VERY handsome, but he had some circles under his eyes. I guess it's just the Mom in me that makes me worry. Hang in there Jr, your tough, and your an Earnhardt, and a lot of people have your back, Ok?

Another cover for Jr.

Five-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. is among a select group of professional sports stars featured on unique covers for ESPN The Magazine's 10th anniversary issue, released this week.

The double-sided special edition features 10 covers, five on each side and in random order. The front half highlights athletes who have dominated their respective sport in the last 10 years -- baseball's Ichiro Suzuki, NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson, pro basketball player Tim Duncan, tennis sisters Venus and Serena Williams, and professional snowboarder Shaun White. The flip side is devoted to athletes believed to shine over the next 10 years -- Earnhardt Jr., pro basketball player LeBron James, hockey star Sidney Crosby, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and NFL quarterback Vince Young.

Earnhardt Jr.'s cover was shot by photographer Matt Jones, who shows the driver not in typical NASCAR attire but in a single-breasted Armani suit and tie. This marks the third time Earnhardt Jr. has appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine. He and Matt Kenseth shared the cover for the 1999 NASCAR Preview, and he alone was the subject of a cover story in the Feb. 18, 2002 edition.

"It was a real honor to be included in this 10th anniversary project for ESPN The Magazine," Earnhardt Jr. said. "It's humbling to be among athletes of this caliber. I hope ESPN is correct in that we can generate a few headlines in the next 10 years. I feel like we can."

Prominent in each of the 10 cover shots is a diamond-studded ESPN The Magazine hat designed by jeweler Lorraine Schwartz. The hat includes 760 round white diamonds, 108 round black diamonds, and 40 ruby baguettes. Each athlete signed the hat, which will be auctioned off for charity.

In addition to the 10 covers, each athlete was photographed in settings of special meaning or personal significance for the inside pages. In homage to the history of NASCAR and his racing roots, Earnhardt Jr. took ESPN The Magazine to his vintage gas station in Mooresville, N.C., where photographer Sarah Friedman shot Earnhardt Jr. and his 1972 Camaro.

"I have a great appreciation for the history of NASCAR where I grew up in Kannapolis," Earnhardt Jr. said. "This old-school gas station reminds me of that town, where the old cotton mill was the big industry. It's all torn down now, and I'm real nostalgic for it."

ESPN The Magazine's 10th anniversary edition is on newsstands now. Fans can also log on to www.espnthemag.com for behind-the-scenes footage of each athlete at their respective photo shoots, as well as prominent feature articles that have appeared in the magazine during its first 10 years of publication.

Jr's Darlington car!!

Ok who all saw what Jr's Darlington car looks like for this year? It looks GREAT.It will be an old school Mt.Dew. I actually had the chance and bought the die-cast already.If you remember DW's old 11 Mt.Dew then you know what this one looks like. It's a one time paint scheme and man it looks good. Sorry if I spoiled it for anyone,but had to put it out there.

See Dale, Jr. at Talladega!

See Dale Earnhardt Jr In The AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience!
Talladega Superspeedway officials announced today that tickets are available to see Dale Earnhardt, Jr., driver of the No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, during a Q&A session in the AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience prior to the Aaron’s 499 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on April 27th.

The AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience is a hospitality package that includes:
· Access to the AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience Hospitality Tent, located in the AMP Energy Hospitality Village
· Catering for continental breakfast, lunch, soda, water and four drink tickets for beer
· A Pre-Race Pit Road Tour (schedule and weather permitting)
· An Event Souvenir
· A Hospitality Parking Pass
· An Appearance by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (schedule and weather permitting)

A fan favorite at Talladega, Dale Jr. is also a five-time winner at NASCAR’s Most Competitive Track, with his most recent victory coming in the 2004 AMP Energy 500. Earnhardt seems poised to return to Gatorade Victory Lane in April, as he now drives for Hendrick Motorsports; winner of the last four races at Talladega Superspeedway.

“We are very excited to have Dale Earnhardt, Jr. spend some time with our fans,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Rick Humphrey. “It’s no secret that Talladega Superspeedway hosts one of the largest followings of Junior Nation and I expect they will take full advantage of this offer. “

The AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience package is $155 per person and must be accompanied by a frontstretch grandstand or tower ticket. Click HERE to order the AMP Energy Pit Tour Experience for the Aaron's 499.

A Magazine all about Jr....

Last night we went to the book store and I was looking for Supernatural. As we were looking Hubby comes over with a magazine in his hand. I thought he found it. He finds a magazine
that has ONLY Dale Jr, No one else. I was like OMG!!! He bought it for me. It was around $7.?? with tax. I love it. I thought you Jr fans might want to know about this. I might be slow on buying these so i don't know if some of you even have it.

New Jr Car!!!!

Special Black and Silver Scheme for Dale Jr.: #88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr will run a special monochromatic paint scheme featuring an all black and silver design with hints of red and only a few sponsors in full color. 3 Doors Down dedicated a song they wrote for the National Guard Citizen-Soldiers. National Guard soldiers are "Citizens" in time of piece - "Soldiers" in time of need. Dale Jr. wanted to run a car that looked like the "Grey Ghost" that Buddy Baker drove. Most of the design work was done by Jim Gravin at Hendrick Motorsports.

What do you guys think is Juniors best track to race at?

I personally think Daytona is his best but he does good at Talledaga and Texas also.

5 Top 10 Finishs

I am a big fan of Dale Jr. so I hope that he can close the deal on all these top 10 finishes with a win! He has the most top 10 finishes this season with 5 and is tied with top 5's with 3.

I thought the victory at the ShootOut would give him just the taste of victory he needed. Can he win this weekend in Texas? Last five starts he finished 14, 36, 6, 12 and 8. He's 6th overall in driver averages (12.9) at Texas and did win there back 2000.

Jr wants Texas Victory

Jr wants this victory at Texas in the cup series. He hasn't driven in the Nationwide (Busch) series since he started driving cup. Saturday's race will give him a real feel for the race on Sunday.

Since I will be at the race on Saturday, I am totally excited about getting to see Jr. race in person rather than just on the tube. This is great!!!!! Thanks Jr.

Dale Jr. #88 AMP Showcar Texas Schedule

Dale Jr. #88 AMP Showcar Will Be Onsite at Sports Authority Stores April 1-5.

After making its debut in Daytona at the start of the NASCAR season, Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s adidas JR Nation Gear has invaded the Lone Star state!" Consumers can pick up the latest adidas Dale Jr. gear including men’s and women’s t-shirts, jackets, hats and jerseys, at any of the six Sports Authority locations in the Fort Worth area (addresses below)." In addition, fans can check out Dale Jr.’s #88 AMP showcar, which will be visiting Sports Authority stores across Dallas and Fort Worth starting April 1 and culminating on April 5 (dates, times and locations below).

Designed and developed with the help of Dale Jr., JR Nation Gear features the same adidas ClimaCool technology that allows Dale Jr. to stay cool on the track." adidas ClimaCool technology is a ventilation system that utilizes specially engineered air channels, materials and components to provide superior moisture management, enhanced evaporation and better breathability." Throughout the season, new products, including footwear, accessories and other exclusive gear, will debut in conjunction with special events like All-Star in Charlotte this May."

Dale Jr.

Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick are surging, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are regrouping, the bunch at Roush Fenway Racing is on its feet again after starting so unsteadily last year. A new car and an old tire are struggling to adapt to one another, familiar faces risk missing races, and a kid from Las Vegas is proving he can win in almost any vehicle on four wheels. Eclipsed by all these dominant storylines from the first few months of the 2008 season, NASCAR's most popular driver goes quietly about his business, each week continuing to live up to the hype.

Last Sunday at Martinsville Speedway brought an under-the-radar sixth-place finish, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s fifth result of ninth or better in six Sprint Cup starts this year. Everybody's waiting for the end of that now 68-race-long winless streak, which dates back to Junior's last victory at Richmond International Raceway almost two years ago. That will come, eventually. Right now, he's doing the less glamorous but absolutely necessary under-the-basket dirty work of getting himself in contention for the championship, churning out top-10 after top-10 to solidify his place in the Chase.