Three strikes and out it should go! This new two-car style plate racing is ridiculous. Having to rely on a teammate has sucked the fun out of plate racing. Gone are the days of maverick-like maneuvers and exciting finishes. In fact, this new style is like the dementor of NASCAR racing. Or maybe NASCAR is the dementor of plate racing—I haven't quite worked that one out yet.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been my driver from the day he started racing. To watch him plate race has been nothing short of thrilling—the man can work those tracks and make insane moves like no other. I used to look forward to Daytona and Talladega. Sadly, that anticipation has waned.
What's to watch? Two cars push each other around the track lap after lap after lap. And you better hope your driver's car is superior up front! Blah! Imagine watching the Super Bowl where players can only tackle with pillows. Yeah, this style of plate racing is that nonsensical.
Relying on a teammate can turn out wonderfully (i.e. when Earnhardt pushed Jimmie Johnson to a win at Talladega). Or, it could turn into a storm of words, as was the case last Saturday night when Johnson decided to pit, leaving Earnhardt without a partner in the closing laps of the race. Many proud members of Earnhardt Nation came unglued, and Jimmie Johnson took to Twitter to defend himself.
Jimmie Johnson: "I didn't leave Jr. hanging, you people are crazy. When my crew tells me to pit, I pit. Steve and Chad sort out the details. And if you think either of us could have won from 25th, which is where we were at the caution, you're even more crazy. Many thanks to the sane Jr. nation and to all of my loyal 48 fans. #yourock."
As a member of Earnhardt Nation, I did not rant and rave over Johnson's untimely pit stop, nor did I ever think Chad's call was due to some big anti-Dale conspiracy. Did I raise an eyebrow? Absolutely. I thought the 48 may have had a tire issue or fuel concern. To date, the reason for pitting remains unclear. Dale Earnhardt and his crew chief, Steve Letarte, seemed caught off-guard by the move. Many have said this was a simple case of miscommunication—or lack of communication. It's a shame, especially considering how well the 48 and 88 communicated up until the very end of the race.
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