Junior's transformation brings fresh perspective (cont'd)

What will happen next for the old-school Earnhardt fan? Should we expect Junior to jettison NASCAR completely and head to the European world of F1? Perhaps he'll trade in his Wranglers for Diadora shoes and an Armani jumper? Maybe he'll move to Tuscany and take Gisele Bundchen off Tom Brady's hands. Who knows what the next year holds for the son of NASCAR's most loved driver, but could he possibly delve further from his perceived fan base in another six-month span?

Still, one thing holds true for the man who still turns laps in the 8 car: When you hear him speak, when you see him in an interview, he still sounds like the same guy that NASCAR Nation follows like paparazzi on Paris. It's enough for me to believe in him and his future, wherever or whatever that might be.

Question of the Week
With an ocean between myself and the whole Junior Nation I feel safe in asking the following. In light of the above missive, I'm wondering how many people are still on the Dale Jr. Express. My question to all of you is simple:

Have the events of the last six months made you more of a fan, less of a fan, or had no change on your opinion of Dale Earnhardt Jr.?

Send your thoughts (and threats) directly to my inbox at beau.estes@turner.com

I hope my comments above have made my thoughts on the issue clear.

Last Week's QOW
"I'm the outsider looking in now, and I'm probably not going to be invited into the team meetings next week, so I think bliss is over at Hendrick Motorsports for Kyle Busch. We'll get ready for 2008."

Following these comments from Kyle Busch at Daytona, I asked:

What is the best way for Kyle Busch and HMS to go forward with the rest of their season?

Here are the best of the responses:

I think he should be professional about the situation. He has a contract to respect and he should respect it. I think he should stay low profile until the end of the season and show the other drivers what he can do. I don't like the guy but I admit he can do great driving on the track. He should stay out of trouble and keep quiet. Just do his job driving.
-- Isabelle from Montreal, Canada

Obviously, staying quiet is not something the Busch boys specialize in. I wonder how Hendrick will handle the problem if Kyle doesn't stick to the "Isabelle Plan?"

I think those remarks made by Kyle was the sound of him digging his own grave. That to me sounded like someone saying, 'Hey I don't expect to be a part of this team anymore.' To answer your question, it just may be best for him to move on before the year's end.
-- Andy from Grand Rapids, Mich.

I don't think you can dump a guy who currently stands in the Chase. There is just too much at stake. Still, don't expect Rick Hendrick "to be a Busch apologist." Stop me if you've heard this before.

There's no way Kyle will go out and wreck cars. He wants to win. I honestly think it would be an unwise thing for the two to part ways at this point in the season. I just feel that HMS is going to have to run the 5 car as a one-car team.
-- John from Westerville, Ohio

No man is an island, but it might be fair to say that Kyle's comments and his current teammates' actions, or lack thereof, have washed the 5 team up on some lonely shores.

Finally, I've got to say that Tony Stewart's win has put everything right with the season in my mind (watch video). This is one of the best drivers in the world who has run at the top for several races this year. I'm glad to see that he wrestled his way to the win.

Enjoy the week off everyone!