vetteman9368
10-11-2017, 10:30pm
A lot has been written about Dale Jr's career, ability and retirement. He's an average racer, with a legendary name. He stepped into some way too big shoes, which he had no prayer of filling. He lost his dad to the only life he knows, he's been injured enough to make any sane person consider retirement and yet there is no shortage of criticism of his career, his effect on the sport (seriously lost a lot of respect for Harvick with his remarks), his decision to retire and his "phoning it in" this year. But I think those criticizing him are missing a few very crucial things when looking at the big picture of his life and career.
I think it's pretty obvious one of the main reasons he's retiring; he's been hurt a bunch, and the Docs have probably recommended it. He's had a good career, not stellar, but certainly not bad. He's worth near a ¼ billion dollars by some estimates. He's a successful team owner. He can add husband to that resume. And he's the most popular and marketable guy in all of NASCAR.
In addition to all of that there are things that most people miss, or dismiss. He's a damn good businessman, both at the track and away. He's got a hell of an eye for talent. Take a look at the driver's who have driven for JR Motorsports and the success they have had. He has parlayed himself into a brand, much the way Michael Jordan, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods have. He is by any measure a success and is poised to take the next big step in his career, the one that may truly be his legacy.
Dale Jr is not going away, not by a long shot. On that fateful day in 2001, Dale Jr's future changed. And it's all been leadin up to what I think may be coming in the near future. When Dale Sr died, Jr lost much more than his dad. His career bath instantly became a question mark. DEI was created to be Sr's legacy and Jr's team, but that only worked with Dale Sr alive. it's no big secret that Teresa and Jr tolerated each other out of respect for his dad. When he died, the chances of DEI being Jr's forever home died with him. Myself included, a lot of people wanted to see Jr eventually land at RCR, but that was never really in the cards. Much like DEI was built for Jr, Richard Childress was dead set on his grandsons taking over the seats at RCR. Besides, it seems fate had other ideas.
In 2004 as things were beginning to become troubled at DEI, and Jr struggled to get out of his dad's shadow, across town Rick Hendrick was dealt a horrible blow of his own. When Ricky Hendrick died in that plane crash, a son without a father would step in to fill those shoes for the father who had lost his son. Over the years, Jr and Rick Hendrick have both filled a major void in each other's lives, both professionally and personally.
It's no secret that Rick is getting older, and probably looking to step back in his role as one of the winningest team owners in history. And his protege already drives for him. Jr has the brand, the business sense, the eye for talent and last but not least the financial ability to buy controlling interest in Hendrick Motorsports. And I think that's where things are headed. I have no idea as far as time table, but it's feasible and logical from both sides.
I'd say Jr is ready to make a name for himself now.
I think it's pretty obvious one of the main reasons he's retiring; he's been hurt a bunch, and the Docs have probably recommended it. He's had a good career, not stellar, but certainly not bad. He's worth near a ¼ billion dollars by some estimates. He's a successful team owner. He can add husband to that resume. And he's the most popular and marketable guy in all of NASCAR.
In addition to all of that there are things that most people miss, or dismiss. He's a damn good businessman, both at the track and away. He's got a hell of an eye for talent. Take a look at the driver's who have driven for JR Motorsports and the success they have had. He has parlayed himself into a brand, much the way Michael Jordan, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods have. He is by any measure a success and is poised to take the next big step in his career, the one that may truly be his legacy.
Dale Jr is not going away, not by a long shot. On that fateful day in 2001, Dale Jr's future changed. And it's all been leadin up to what I think may be coming in the near future. When Dale Sr died, Jr lost much more than his dad. His career bath instantly became a question mark. DEI was created to be Sr's legacy and Jr's team, but that only worked with Dale Sr alive. it's no big secret that Teresa and Jr tolerated each other out of respect for his dad. When he died, the chances of DEI being Jr's forever home died with him. Myself included, a lot of people wanted to see Jr eventually land at RCR, but that was never really in the cards. Much like DEI was built for Jr, Richard Childress was dead set on his grandsons taking over the seats at RCR. Besides, it seems fate had other ideas.
In 2004 as things were beginning to become troubled at DEI, and Jr struggled to get out of his dad's shadow, across town Rick Hendrick was dealt a horrible blow of his own. When Ricky Hendrick died in that plane crash, a son without a father would step in to fill those shoes for the father who had lost his son. Over the years, Jr and Rick Hendrick have both filled a major void in each other's lives, both professionally and personally.
It's no secret that Rick is getting older, and probably looking to step back in his role as one of the winningest team owners in history. And his protege already drives for him. Jr has the brand, the business sense, the eye for talent and last but not least the financial ability to buy controlling interest in Hendrick Motorsports. And I think that's where things are headed. I have no idea as far as time table, but it's feasible and logical from both sides.
I'd say Jr is ready to make a name for himself now.