I disagree with the need to be concerned as long as Earnhardt Jr is associated with Rick Hendrick. I think it’s easy to blame Hendrick for Dale Jr’s struggles. I do think Hendrick deserves some of the blame. But so does Jr, Tony Eury Jr, and Lance McGrew. Hendrick should have foreseen the personality conflicts between McGrew and Jr. He shouldn’t have let the problems between Jr and Eury Jr go on for so long. But, to think he was intentionally giving Jr inferior equipment, I think is just a conspiracy theory.

What makes HMS equipment so great is the relationship between the driver and crew chiefs, and the ability for the two to work together to set up the car and adjust it throughout the weekend. (Hendrick horsepower helps, and it was clear Jr had horsepower.) But, the setups and adjustments were lacking on Jr’s team the last few years. Part of that can be attributed to the crew chief’s inability to adjust the car based on his feedback. Part of it can be attributed to the driver’s inability to stay patient and have faith that his CC would adjust the car to his liking.

At the end of the day, all parties involved were at fault. It seems that Jr and Steve Letarte are much better suited for each other, personality-wise. And, for Hendrick to make such a bold move speaks to how committed to Jr he is, I think.

Again, thanks for reading and for commenting.