MOORESVILLE, North Carolina (Ticker) - NASCAR's most popular driver is an unpopular 11th in the point standings. As a result, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will get the services of a new crew chief.
On Tuesday, Steve Hmiel was named interim crew chief of the No. 8 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Earnhardt. Hmiel, who is the technical director at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, will begin serving as crew chief in this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's
Boy, they didnt waste any time did they? Well I guess something needed to be done asap before it's too late in the season. Don't know if this will help or hurt even more though.
This has to help Jr. turn his season around. If not then he is at least laying the chemistry ground work for 2006. That's if Hmiel stays on 2006 as crew chief.
with that being said, this has to help Jr. Hmiel is his long time spotter, and he knows what Jr. likes to hear in terms of the lap times and such. But, he is only an interim crew chief.....i dont think he wants that pressure...just helping out now....
possible replacements?....Eury Jr.? no, its not going to happen. Osbourne? (edwards crew chief) possible...he's a hot property the way the 99 has turned around Elledge? (Mears crew chief) still in the air if this is a good move.
my vote? Chocolate Myers! long time crew man for Sr. and currently working at RCR museum.
