Bleacher Report - Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Twitter and NASCAR: It's Where All the Fun and Information Is

Kelly Crandall — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:21:15 -0500

NASCAR fans are always looking for more access to their favorite drivers.

From being in the infield and walking down pit road, NASCAR drivers are some of the most accessible athletes in sports.

At the right moment a fan could walk up to a driver just minutes before they climb aboard their car and get a picture and an autograph.

But some fans will always want more and now they have it.

In March of 2006 Jack Dorsey had an idea and a need to know what his friends were doing, and so he started a project with some colleagues and by August it was publicly launched.

And now almost four years later Twitter has started to not only sweep the nation, but also the world.

From friends and family, to TV shows, and celebrities, everyone seems to be on Twitter and using 140 characters in their status bar to let others know what’s going on.

In 2009 those closely associated with NASCAR and soon drivers, their wives, spotters, or their public relations representatives, were Tweeting as well.

Fans were now getting even more up close and personal to their stars as they’ve always wanted and it’s right in front of them.

Some of those include Kyle Busch, David Ragan, Max Papis, Kevin Harvick and his wife DeLana, Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Denny Hamlin, Juan Pablo Montoya, and many more.

But even more than feeling connected to the men they worship on Sundays, Twitter has provided instant information and access to those that crave it.

After personally joining Twitter in May of 2009, I couldn’t believe how fast I was getting inside information or instant information on what was taking place away from the track.

From breaking news that had not in fact been publicly announced yet, to the latest rumors surfacing the garage, I was now in the know faster than any NASCAR related website was updating me.

Watching races became much more informative, knowing what drivers were saying, how their cars were handling, if a caution was about to come out and what was taking place during commercial breaks.

It was also interesting to be able to connect with other NASCAR fans from all over the world and getting to reach out to NASCAR media members and hear what they have to think about what’s taking place.

Jenna Fryer of the Associated Press , Marty Smith of ESPN , Nate Ryan of USA Today , and Jeff Gluck of NASCAR Scene , are just some of the media that share their thoughts from either inside the media center or sitting at home during the week.

And don’t worry they don’t hold anything back and call it like they see it.

From what the drivers are saying on their radios, to how they feel about certain situations, they lay it all out in their updates.

This past weekend most of them tweeted from inside the NASCAR Sprint Cup Awards Banquet and even sent pictures of themselves all dressed up or how the tables looked.

By now most fans who have read articles on NASCAR websites have most likely heard of the social networking site and how drivers use it to let out their feelings.

Many point to the Denny Hamlin/Brad Keselowski feud in which Hamlin had no problem telling everyone how he felt about the young man.

Michael Waltrip had a few choice words for “Dr. Phil” during the NASCAR awards banquet and tweeted right from his table.

And both TJ Majors and Mike Davis, spotter and PR director for Dale Earnhardt Jr., used it to express how they felt during a tough day at the track or to reassure Earnhardt Jr. fans that the National Enquirer magazine article was indeed false.

No one would know better than those that work for the man and see him everyday.

Of course, Majors also used it to take his shots at both Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch throughout the course of the year.

Not only does Twitter make things more fun, but more informative.

NASCAR fans want to know what’s going on and when and by following both their favorite drivers and media members, they’ll know when something happens, the minute it does.

If they’re lucky, they may even get a picture to go along with it. Many were uploading photos from champion’s week in Las Vegas last week, what the drivers were doing and where Jimmie Johnson was going, or from the racetracks on Sunday.

NASCAR tracks even have their own Twitter pages to update upcoming events at the speedway and as the Homestead-Miami Speedway does, upload pictures of driver as they sat in the media center, or during driver introductions.

Fans have even won signed merchandise from race teams.

Daytona International Speedway’s Twitter page have contests and if for instance a fan answered their trivia question, they would get a signed Kasey Kahne hat.

The Twitter page for Hendrick Motorsports has done the same thing with HMS gear.

Kyle Petty even tweets during the race while he's inside the broadcast booth for TNT.

Many worried that NASCAR would stop drivers and teams from using Twitter for whatever reason, however NASCAR has said they not only embrace it and tell drivers to use the site, but they themselves use it.

Want to know what Jimmie Johnson’s championship ring looks like? Go to Twitter and you’ll find a picture.

Want to know what Elliott Sadler is up to today? Go to Twitter and find out.

Want to know what Kenny Wallace thinks about just about everything? Go to Twitter and look him up.

Do you want to see a picture from inside JR Motorsports from new driver Kelly Bires? He'll upload them on his page.

Maybe you want to see Mark Martin at a photo shoot he's doing? His PR director will update you on how it's going.

Or maybe you want to get to know other NASCAR fans and talk racing all day long? Go to Twitter and you’ll meet millions of people that are just like you.

For anyone that is already on Twitter, they can probably tell you how much they enjoy it and how much more they know about what’s happening in NASCAR.

And I highly suggest to anyone that is not on Twitter that you sign up right away.

Watching a race with Twitter in front of you will no doubt give you a different appreciation of what’s happening.

And then during the week you’ll be able to keep track of everything that’s going on without having to flip through different websites.

Twitter is the thing that everyone is doing; you should jump on board before the start of the 2010 season.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go update my Twitter page to let everyone know I’ve written this article.

For a list of some of those in NASCAR using Twitter, visit here: http://finallapradio.com/2009/02/28/twitter-list-guide-to-nascar-drivers-and-tracks/

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins Chex Most Popular Driver Award Then Shares News

Kelly Crandall — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:15:06 -0500

For the seventh consecutive year Dale Earnhardt Jr. was voted the NMPA Chex Most Popular Driver award which is determined by the fans.

Earnhardt Jr. flew out to Las Vegas this morning to receive the award and thank his loyal fans.

"I take a lot of honor in it and a lot of pride. I know it's kind of a cliche, but I just wanted to be a race-car driver, wanted to be able to make a living showing up, driving cars every week and having the fan support like I have has been an incredible bonus for me," he said.

"I can't thank them enough, so I guess I'll just keep showing up."

Jr. Nation voted Earnhardt Jr. the most popular driver regardless of going winless in 2009 and finishing a disappointing 25th in points.

However, they made sure to let everyone know they still stand by their man.

The fans though, weren't the only ones Earnhardt Jr. thanked, he made mention of his late father for what he called giving him a "hell of a gift in popularity."

He also joked that he takes pride and makes sure to accept the award in person since he "turned in a video a few years back and learned my lesson."

But those weren't the only words coming for Earnhardt Jr. on Thursday.

Talking with the media afterward he made it known that he has no discussion in the Danica Patrick negotiations, that his sister Kelley is taking care of those details and that things were still being worked out.

"I'm not in the middle of it at all...I can't help you...I didn't get involved in the Danica deal purposely," he said.

But then he made some shocking announcements.

Earnhardt Jr. revealed that Kelly Bires, whom he hired to replace Brad Keselowski in the No. 88 Nationwide machine for 2010, may not be able to run the entire schedule because of sponsorship reasons.

The Most Popular Driver said that he's met with half a dozen drivers in search of the right sponsorship package and called it a "dire situation."

The chances of seeing the No. 88 car full-time next year "do not look very good," and it's something that he's really worried about.

After revealing those plans Earnhardt Jr. told everyone that his sister Kelley and cousin Tony Eury Jr. have now been included as part owners in JR Motorsports with he and Rick Hendrick.

"I will be working with Tony Jr next year," he continued, but on more than an ownership level since he says it looks likely that Eury Jr. will remain the crew chief of the No. 5 car in that series.

Eury Jr. took over crew chief duties during the final few races of 2009 and Earnhardt Jr. will pilot the car in select events next year.

But what everyone wanted to know, as well as the fans that just voted him their Most Popular Driver, is what will his Sprint Cup team is doing for next year to improve their performance.

"As an entire unit, the 88 car could have been stronger. But we had some broken links some areas," he said.

He says that changes have been made in the engineering department as well as in shop personnel and shock area.

"We didn't change the driver or the crew chief so that was good," he says.

Now in Vegas to accept his award don't fear that he'll stay and get distracted.

Earnhardt Jr. said he flew in this morning and will be leaving right afterward to head back to North Carolina and continue preparing for the 2010 season.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a Different Light

Roberta Cowan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:27:25 -0500

Much like Errol Flynn, he has a swagger.

He’s got the bad boy looks and attitude, like Clark Gable.

His fans swarm him, and he is almost uncomfortable with his position in the popularity hierarchy. Yet, he moves comfortably and confidently, with knowledge and confidence, changing the world around him much like Frank Lloyd Wright changed the world that we live in.

Hounded by naysayers who question his talent and his place at the highest level of NASCAR's elite, stating he is there because of his father's name, he can boast back-to-back championships in the ultra competitive Busch Grand National Series, a Daytona 500 win, and a victory in the race of the elite all-stars, then called the Winston.

Most spend a lifetime attempting to achieve one of those accolades. He has accomplished them all in 11 years.

One would expect this man to be a master of attention and celebrity. He is instead a quiet and gentle spirit whose gifts to others far exceed the gifts he has received.

Best known for the crowds of attention-seeking fans and daring pursuits on the race track, his popularity and marketability is the envy of millions.

His knowledge of history, both of the sport and the world, add a surprising twist to the man whose business prowess finds him sitting at the head of many extremely profitable companies. Companies whose focuses are vastly diverse, including racing, entertainment, culinary, real estate, automotive products, gaming accessories, and Internet gaming.

His success in business ventures away from the race track has not only garnered him respect from the business world, but also allows him to employ many of his family members and to turn his vast marketability into a future for not only himself, but his family as well.

Oddly enough the real Dale Jr. is a shy and quiet man whose philanthropic work through his foundation for underprivileged and at risk children includes support of children's causes across the country.

He is a true example of the hero whose goal is to give back to those who face the same challenges he did as a boy, whether that is through time spent with the Make a Wish children or giving to schools and hospitals the financial support that is their life blood.

Even in the midst of a schedule of obligations that would harry even the most steadfast performer, Dale Jr. has his eye on the future.

His dedication and affection for children is returned in spades as they tell their hero, "I love you Junior. I want to be just like you when I grow up." He is strong enough to dry their tears and is courageous enough to tell them, "I love you, too, Buddy," and when he says it he means it. They know it. He knows it and all around him know it.

He is in tune with the mark he wants to leave on the sport and the world. That mark is one of respect and kindness. His name may be Dale Earnhardt, but it is Junior. Although a much softer and kinder version of his father, he is no less intelligent and no less driven to succeed, whether that is winning on the race track or winning in life.

He has, as the truest champions of mankind do, combined the best of the old—the magnetic, daring, and bad boy appearances carried off with a swagger of romantic style and flair—with the new age of change and technology, to create his own style.

The world has watched him grow on television into a unique and determined but unwilling hero, who, like the old school heroes before him, places more emphasis on the needs of the future than on the appearances of today.

Hemingway once said that "What a man gives of himself is more defining than what he shows to the world."

No more accurate description could be made of the man who is as comfortable in jeans and a slow pace around his property as he is in a billboard of a uniform going 200 mph.

Whether in the board room, on the track, or hanging out on the porch, he proves that every man's dream and every woman's fantasy is possible.

You can live in 2009 and still be a mix of Errol Flynn and Clark Gable. Heroes still exist in our fast paced world, but the truest of them walk with the knowledge that they are merely the sum of all those who believe in them, and that their true strength comes from those that they have helped to find their confidence, regardless of their age.

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Just Out of Reach: Will the Gates at Daytona Ever Open for Tony Stewart?

Kelly Crandall — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:14:39 -0500

Daytona.

Nothing else needs to be said because everyone knows what that one word means. Everyone wants to make it to Daytona, and everyone wants to win there.

It’s the greatest race in NASCAR.

It’s the biggest race in NASCAR and one that if you win it, you’ll be among racing’s elite.

All the greats have won the 500: Petty, Allison, Pearson, Earnhardt, Waltrip(s) and all the eventual greats have won it, too: Johnson, Gordon, Kenseth, Earnhardt Jr.

It’s a difficult race to win and one of the most coveted.

Dale Earnhardt had to wait 20 years to get his hands on the Harley J. Earl trophy. That happens to be the longest current streak of a Daytona 500 winner.

Buddy Baker had to wait 18 years, Darrell Waltrip 17, Michael Waltrip and David Pearson 15, and Sterling Marlin 13 years.

Others haven’t had to wait as long.

Ward Burton did it in eight years. Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson won it in five.

Ernie Irvan and Derrick Cope were the quickest to win the 500 in just three attempts.

Those are just some of the 51 Daytona 500 winners that will go down in history.

Except, the list is still missing names.

When Rusty Wallace retired in 2005, he did so without ever winning the Daytona 500, although he gave it 22 great tries.

Mark Martin will have at it for the 25th time in February of next year; he’s still never captured the big event.

And then there is the man that might be following in Dale Earnhardt’s shadow: Tony Stewart.

Every which way that you could lose the Daytona 500, it has been accomplished by Stewart.

He’s lost it by leading on the last lap, being passed down the backstretch by Ryan Newman and then teammate Kurt Busch in 2008.

A year later, Stewart hired Newman to drive one of his Stewart-Haas cars.

He’s lost it by dominating; in 2004 he led half the race, 98 of 200 laps, and finished second to Dale Earnhardt Jr. after being passed with 19 laps to go.

"I think his father is proud today," Stewart said after that race. "I wanted to win the race. Trust me, if I could have held him off, I would have. But there was no holding that kid back. Today was his day."

He’s lost on lap one with a blown engine in 2002 and finished 43rd—dead last. Ironically, he started the year 43rd in points but would go on to win the championship, going from 43rd to first.

He’s lost it by being in the “Big One” such as 2001 when he went flipping down the backstretch.

Stewart has yet to create a good memory in the Daytona 500, but that doesn’t mean he can’t think of anything pleasant when it comes to the track.

“You know, I think probably still I was watching,” he said of the things he remembers most.

“I remember the race that Dale Earnhardt lost on the last corner on the last lap with a flat tire, and I remember Darrell Waltrip winning his first race and watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. get his win.”

Others would be, “Obviously Dale Jarrett with Joe Gibbs Racing; Petty, Pearson; Allison and Yarborough at the end of the backstretch with the fistfight and everything…they’re all pretty cool.”

What would be really cool is for Stewart to finally create his own memory of the Daytona 500, and win the one that keeps escaping him.

Like Earnhardt, Stewart has won everything there is at Daytona—except the 500.

Earnhardt is the all-time win leader at the track, with 34 victories, and Stewart too has picked up victories in the Budweiser Shootout, Gatorade Duels, Nationwide, and July race for a total of 12 wins at the speedway.

There is just one thing he has yet to cross off the list, the most important one.

When he takes to the track in February it will be his 12th attempt at taking home the Harley J. Earl trophy.

He’s won championships, he’s won road courses, Martinsville, Indianapolis, and everywhere in between. There’s just one more that he wants to win, one more that would mean everything.

Will this be the year come that Tony Stewart no longer has to answer the question: When are you going to win the Daytona 500?

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Danica Patrick: You Are the "Dangling" Queen

Mary Jo Buchanan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:01:38 -0500

Love her or hate her, the Danica Patrick "coming to NASCAR buzz" continues without ceasing or final resolution. The most recognized female race car driver in the country seems determined to keep the NASCAR world dangling in anticipation of her announcement of whether or not she will join the ranks of NASCAR racing.

The Associated Press today reported that one day after signing her three year contract extension with team Andretti in the IndyCar racing league, Patrick is still trying to finalize a deal to also drive part-time in NASCAR.

"I can’t say. I’ve made no mystery about the fact that I’m curious about it, and I’m interested, and I want to do it," Patrick said. "I’ve been to Charlotte a few times. But as a driver, if I got the chance to race in both series, that’s what I would want to do."

Yet again, however, Patrick seems to be toying with NASCAR nation. In fact, each time her IndyCar contract comes due, Patrick seems to magically appear in the world of NASCAR, dangling her potential interest in stock car racing in front of NASCAR teams as well as her current IndyCar team.

This summer, with her IndyCar contract up for renewal, Patrick once again began to tantalize the NASCAR world with her interest in at least driving part-time at one of the lower levels of the sport. She reportedly wants to put her "toe into the water" to test her ability and capacity in the sport.

Throughout the summer, Patrick continued her blitz of visiting many NASCAR teams, from JR Motorsports to Michael Waltrip Racing. She also talked with some of the sport's most notable drivers, including Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Tony Stewart.

"She doesn't have some misguided idea that it's going to be easy," Stewart said. "She wants to do it the right way. She has the intention of doing everything right."

"She's looked me straight in the eye and said, 'Hey, this is what I want to do,'" Stewart said.

Patrick continued to toy with the world of NASCAR throughout the fall. The most persistent rumor being dangled recently is that Patrick is close to signing with JR Motorsports to drive a limited schedule in the Nationwide Series.

In a visual tease, an image of Patrick in a JR Motorsports fire suit briefly made an appearance on the team website before just as quickly disappearing. Both JR Motorsports and Patrick herself, however, deny that either have formally "signed on the bottom line."

Negotiations have been so secretive in fact that Patrick's father is not even sure what is going on. Although he has urged his daughter to go to NASCAR due to increased ratings, money, and sponsorship, he too has been under a gag order from his daughter during the negotiation phase.

Patrick has made clear that she intends to balance NASCAR racing with her IndyCar responsibilities. Her intentions are to run about a dozen NASCAR races before and after her IRL season, probably kicking off her stock car season by jumping into an ARCA car at Daytona in February 2010.

While Patrick has dangled herself as a potential prize in NASCAR before, this time seems a bit different and definitely more serious. She has done her homework, is bringing some lucrative sponsorship dollars with GoDaddy.com, and most important, is adding into the equation her own unique combination of sexiness and powerful racer to the table.

At a time in NASCAR history when the recession has hit hard, sponsorship dollars have dried up and the sport's favorite driver, Dale Jr., has had a most miserable season, the possibilities of Danica Patrick coming to NASCAR has set tongues wagging and rumors flying.

NASCAR leadership is most likely salivating at the thoughts of not only attracting increased media attention, improving sagging television ratings, and putting more fans in the seats if this "racing queen" comes into the racing series.

So, Danica, what is it going to be? Are you coming to NASCAR or not? It is now time to stop tantalizing NASCAR nation and seal the deal already one way or the other.

In the immortal words of ABBA in their song "Dancing Queen" , with a bit of poetic license a la Danica:

You're a teaser, you turn 'em on

Leave them burning and then you're gone

Looking out for another, anyone will do

You're in the mood for a dance

And when you get the chance...

You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life.

See that girl, watch that scene, dig in the "dangling" queen.

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