The week that was: Darlington, Dale Junior and do y'all just give up?

Is it just me or did the last six or seven days seem like the whole month of May. And it all belonged to NASCAR.

The month of May used to belong to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and practicing and qualifying for the former Greatest Spectacle in Racing.  I never thought that I would see the time when the Indy 500 meant less than the answer to who might sponsor and hire a stock car driver.  Regardless of the talent, resume or DNA of said stock car driver.  Nice job, Tony.

I was afraid that Darlington might show the CoT as what the CoT haters have claimed -- an un-drivable, terminally tight, slug that can't pass itself let alone a determined competitor.  Uh uh.  From practice to qualifying and throughout the race, I saw a twitchy, nasty, slower than they used to be, racer that was more fun to watch than anything run the last three years in the Cup series.  I'll take it.  If the drivers don't like the way it drives...good.

Denny Hamlin is pissed.  Tony Stewart has been pissed.  Jeff Burton's team has blown a few. The Roush guy's  continue to do something wrong every week.  Only one team overcomes mistakes -- or doesn't make them -- and that's, so far, Hendrick Motorsports, numbers 24 and 48.  You're eleven races into a thirty six race year.  Suck it up and beat 'em or quit bitching.

Finally, my feeling on Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the possibility of driving for Richard Childress Racing.  I hear many Earnhardt fans that want Jr. in a black, #3 Budweiser car or a resurrected # 3 Goodwrench Chevy.

Please, officially and forever, retire the number three from NASCAR competition.  Nobody driving a car, no matter the sponsor or color, with that number, can do anything to enhance the legend that exists for the number three. 

While your at it, retire the 43 and 28 too.  Hopefully, it's not too late.

Picture credit: Speed TV

Comments

[michael]

I agree and from what I heard Jr. say... so does he. the "3" went with Dale and resurrecting it seems unnatural. it is a part of Dale's legacy and Jr. driving it would only take away from Jr.'s identity...something he has worked hard to obtain. R.I.P.

[Clance']

I agree that the 3 car should be retired. I too am sick of the media hype and posturing.
Personally (muuu-ah-ha-ha!)
I think Jr. should go to Hendricks. Would all the Hendricks haters that are Earnhardt fans still be Earnhardt fans? Now that would be a test of driver loyalty:)
OK. The truth is I would like to see him go with JGR...I will email you re: your comment on my blog with the info you need.