Earnhardt, Jr rips COT after Richmond, says Darlington will be ‘frustrating’
Quote selected text Published May 7th, 2007 in NASCAR News
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has used his clout to get things changed in NASCAR before. His next target is the Car of Tomorrow.
A day after struggling with the new-look car at Richmond International Raceway, Earnhardt Jr. called on NASCAR to make it easier to turn and handle.
“It’s going to take some time to figure it out, but right now it’s about the most frustrating thing I’ve had to deal with in this sport, and I’ve had to deal with some pretty frustrating things,” Earnhardt said Monday.
“Everyone is struggling with getting the cars to turn. Even when you’re running in second or third position, you’re just the best of the worst cars out there,” Earnhardt said. “Nobody’s cars were that fun to drive. You’re just trying to be the guy with the least amount of problems when it comes to handling and that seems to get you toward the front.”
But just what needs to be done is uncertain, and not everyone even thinks the car should be tinkered with. Car owner Ray Evernham believes much of the griping stems from Hendrick’s dominance.
“What changes would he make? You can’t just sit there and [complain] at NASCAR. I say don’t make changes — let us figure it out,” Evernham said. “I think that Dale Jr. and those guys are probably in the same boat that we are: spread too thin and what used to work doesn’t work anymore.”
The COT will be used again next weekend at Darlington, a track known to tear up tires. Junior hopes he doesn’t tear up the car.
“I’ll be just trying to keep it off the fence. I think it’ll be hard not to hit the wall,” Earnhardt said. “The way these things get tight, it’ll be hard and slow, real slow. Very, very frustrating. Really, really, really frustrating.”
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good for him! I don’t like the COT
The COT is awesome. These cars shouldn’t be fun or easy to drive. The drivers should have to get up on that wheel and earn it. So far the best drivers, as far as I’m concerned, have been in the top 20 of every single COT race. It takes effort and ability, which Junior has plenty. I hope he turns his frustration with the new car into a win.
THEY CAN TAKE ALL THOSE COT’S AND JUNK EM’…WOULD WE MAKE THE NFL PLAY SOCCER FOR HALF THE GAMES OF THE SEASON? IT’S NOT A TRANSITION IT’S A CHANGE OF SPORT. GO ASK REGGIE BUSH IF HE WANTS TO PLAY GOALIE. I’D SAY IF YOU HAD TO RACE THIS CAR HAVE THE COT START IT’S OWN SERIES AND SEE HOW IT DOES. I NEVER THOUGHT YOU COULD DO ANYTHING TO MAKE BRISTOL A BORING RACE? IT DID PHOENIX I WAS THERE BORING…I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE DARLINGTON I COULD USE A GOOD NAP!~~~JOSH
Well said, Alex.
i have to agree with you Axel
Martinsville was an awesome race with the COT. Bristol did blow big time but that was their first time out. Phoenix sucks regardless of what kind of car you put out there, but the COT race there was better than most they have. I might change my opinion after Darlington… This will be the ultimate test.
Its not a change of sport, the driver is still driving and the crew chief is still crew chiefing. Drivers are adaptable (and whinny). They’ll figure it out… When Junior whines he usually performs well. You can’t trust drivers.
There have been drastic car changes in the past. Racing is about being able to overcome adversity regardless of where its coming from.
“These cars shouldn’t be fun or easy to drive.”
That is true Axel but they shouldn’t be unsafe and any car that doesn’t turn is considered unsafe in my book! I think that the COT’s needed alot more testing before putting them on the track for racing against others. Weeding problems out like the exhaust system and turning problems should have been taken care of before they hit the track in competition.
The COT is new. They’re still going to have to tweak it. I’m a Dale
Jr. fan through and through, and Axel’s right: Give that man some
adversity and he usually performs better, from what I’ve seen. He
seems to keep getting bad luck in all the races, but do you notice
before whatever it is comes along he’s having a good run? I think
he’ll get used to them. I hope, anyway. I admit, I don’t entirely
like that they’re basically treating half the races as COT testing
ground but it’s a necessary evil;; there’s really no other way to
make the switch.