Starting Out Right: Earnhardt Jr, McGrew Off to Good Start at Dover

It was only one race, but indications from Sunday's Autism Speaks 400 at Dover are that Lance McGrew and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be just fine.

All afternoon, there were no heated exchanges, no arguments, and no frustrations behind the wheel. There was a renewed confidence in the No. 88 pits and that confidence went to the race track as Earnhardt Jr. ran near the front all day, finishing 12th, his best non-restrictor plate finish in two months.

The part that was very different at this race was how more informative Earnhardt Jr. was on the radio. After the race, Earnhardt Jr. stated that it was easy talking to McGrew.

"He's like a sponge," Earnhardt Jr. said of McGrew.

The biggest issue between the two was Earnhardt Jr. dealing with a quicker speaking McGrew on the radio. However, they worked through it. Earnhardt Jr. was better at describing how the car was handling, and with McGrew's experience in the chassis shop, he was able to make adjustments.

The confidence went beyond McGrew and Earnhardt Jr. The crew seemed to get better with the change. The No. 88 team had no pit road mistakes, and even gained spots during one round of stops. The entire team just looked rejuvenated and wanted to get their driver to the front.

It was such a difference from weeks ago at Darlington when very little feedback was coming from both Earnhardt Jr. and Eury Jr., and the crew struggled to get a clean stop. Even then it seemed like change was necessary, and judging by how well the team looked at the "Monster Mile," they look to be turning around the program.

However, Earnhardt Jr. was quick to point out that it was only one race and that he's not jumping ahead.

"I told my boys we're building Rome here, and it may take a while to get finished," Earnhardt Jr. said outside his team hauler. "But, if everyone works hard, we'll get it right."

Next week is going to be another big test for the two as the series heads to Pocono, a track that is different from one corner to the next.  If any track is going to test the resources that Hendrick has put with the No. 88 team, this will be it.

Dover was just the start of the turnaround, and it is an indication that Earnhardt Jr. is going to try and make another run at the Chase.