Kerry Earnhardt to the Truck Series?

[Parkfan]

Kerry Earnhardt pondering Truck series ride
By JIM UTTER
ThatsRacin.com Writer

CONCORD, N.C. - Kerry Earnhardt, who spent most of the Busch Series season with Fitz-Bradshaw Racing, said he recently reached a settlement with the team, which released him from his driving duties in the No. 12 Chevrolet in July.
Earnhardt said he is exploring several options for next season, with the most likely one a move to the NASCAR Truck series.

"I have gotten a few opportunities in the Trucks and if I jump into it, it will be some competitive equipment," he said. "There have been a few things in Busch, too."

Earnhardt said his hands were tied somewhat in looking for a new job while he waited for his settlement to be completed with Fitz-Bradshaw.

"I wasn't going to do anything to mess things up. I decided when things were finally settled, I would start looking again."

I think this would be a good move for Kerry. I think he has more talent than some of the guys in top rides, maybe he'd drive for Ultra Motorsports? They've been running three trucks lately and could have him drive the #7 next year and Andy Houston the #2. The Truck Series isn't that deep so he could get his confidence up running in the Truck Series and than move back up to the NBS.

 

[71Fan]

Oh boy, another one for Shawna to whoop up on next year.

Point is, there are very few truck teams worth driving for and if yer not on one of them yer pretty much just spinning yer wheels. Kerry has had every opportunity to make the best out of the cards he's been dealt without having hardly a thing to show for it.

I can't imagine any of the top teams hiring Kerry except on a performace based race by race contract. Shucks, I can't imagine ANY team hiring Kerry except on a race by race performance based contract.

I mean my gosh, how many times has even finished on the lead lap this year?

 

[Parkfan]

Originally posted by 71Fan@Oct 10 2003, 12:48 AM


I mean my gosh, how many times has even finished on the lead lap this year?

More times than Bill Lester.

 

[Parkfan]

He also can't be any worse than Chad Chaffin, who's competing for a top ten spot in points.

 

[Eagle1]

I think Kerry would do quite well in the truck series. He did do quite well in ARCA
park30fan, I agree with you. I think it would be a very good rebuilding of confidence stop, and stepping stone back into Busch when and if he's ready.

 

[rajflyboy]

Trucks are harder to drive than anything Kerry has Driven. It is going to be an uphill struggle regardless of which team hires him. I doubt Ultra Motorsports will hire him.

 

[71Fan]

I like Kerry, I really do. The old forgotten step child thing. I pull for underdogs and backmarkers more than anybody I think I've ever met untill just recently and Kerry is both.

Trucks may be just the spot for him. He certainly has gained a lot of experience and may be able to do quite well against the kids and strapped for cash teams. Time will tell.

 

[17_Fan]

Originally posted by park30fan@Oct 9 2003, 10:53 PM
I think he has more talent than some of the guys in top rides

 

[Parkfan]

Originally posted by 17_Fan+Oct 10 2003, 08:19 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (17_Fan @ Oct 10 2003, 08:19 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--park30fan@Oct 9 2003, 10:53 PM
I think he has more talent than some of the guys in top rides

[/b][/quote]
You don't think Bill Lester is a better driver than Kerry, do you?

 

[Gollum]

If Kerry gets a truck ride. I think he will do ok. I like Kerry and will pull for him in the trucks.

 

[dragonlady424]

I like Kerry. And if he can get a CTS ride, I will be pulling for him too.
Along with a buncha others I see too. LOL

 

[71Fan]

Originally posted by park30fan+Oct 10 2003, 05:25 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (park30fan @ Oct 10 2003, 05:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by -17_Fan@Oct 10 2003, 08:19 PM
<!--QuoteBegin--park30fan

@Oct 9 2003, 10:53 PM
I think he has more talent than some of the guys in top rides

You don't think Bill Lester is a better driver than Kerry, do you? [/b][/quote]
Hard to tell. kerry has had some VERY quality rides in his short years in the bigs.

Bill on the other hand has not imo had nearly the opportunity Kerry has and has very little real experience at circle track racing.

Dern good question.

 

[Parkfan]

Originally posted by 71Fan@Oct 10 2003, 11:36 PM

Hard to tell. kerry has had some VERY quality rides in his short years in the bigs.

Bill on the other hand has not imo had nearly the opportunity Kerry has and has very little real experience at circle track racing.

Dern good question.

Earlier this year, I would've agreed with you. But Casey Atwood and Tim Fedewa,imo, two very capable drivers, haven't done much better than Kerry. I would have to disagree with you on Lester, because Bobby Hamilton racing is one of the top teams in the Craftsmen Truck Series, and in almost 2 years with them, Lester has one, maybe 2 top tens. That's beyond horrible, with the difference between the top and bottom trucks as huge as it is.

 

[71Fan]

From what I've seen Bill's trucks and crew are not even close to being on par with Bobby's who for all his experience seems to be doing little more than hanging on to dreams against the kids and wanna-bees.

 

[Parkfan]

Originally posted by 71Fan@Oct 11 2003, 12:03 AM
From what I've seen Bill's trucks and crew are not even close to being on par with Bobby's who for all his experience seems to be doing little more than hanging on to dreams against the kids and wanna-bees.

I think your right about the crew, I can't believe Dodge would allow the driver they sponsor to be given second hand stuff, especially when it's so important to them to have Lester do well because of what he represents. Even if what you say is right, his equipment is still so much better than then over half the field he should be doing a lot better than he's right now. Bobby Dotter with not even close to the truck Lester has, has gotten 4 or 5 tens in the past 2 years.

 

[71Fan]

It does seem rather odd that's for sure. So odd that I wonder if Bill will even have a ride next year.

 

[Eagle1]

Bills a poster boy, he'll have a ride. I think BHR is getting financial help from other places to keep Bill in the truck.

 

[17_Fan]

Originally posted by park30fan+Oct 10 2003, 07:25 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (park30fan @ Oct 10 2003, 07:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by -17_Fan@Oct 10 2003, 08:19 PM
<!--QuoteBegin--park30fan

@Oct 9 2003, 10:53 PM
I think he has more talent than some of the guys in top rides

You don't think Bill Lester is a better driver than Kerry, do you? [/b][/quote]
I guess you've never seen Bill drive a sports car on a road course...you
know, the kind of track that requires you to know how to drive instead of
just 'go fast & turn left'. Unfortunately, I don't believe Kerry can even
do the latter. Some of you fans are so wrapped up in the fact that just
because he has the last name 'Earnhardt'...it automatically makes him a
talented race car driver. Maybe that's part of his problem...his name
wasn't Earnhardt until he decided to start racing.

IMO, this season there are only about 10 to 12 competitive driver/teams in
the CTS (Bill & Bobby D. not one of them). If Kerry finds his way into the top 10 in points next season,
I'll come back here and say you are totally correct & he is a talent.
Here's what I really think will happen: the first 5 races next season (not
including any DNQ's he may have)...I betcha he crashes out of at least four
of them.

Plus I'd venture to say that Tim Fedewa has been doing a hell of a lot better than Kerry in the #12, more importantly, he's been able to keep the fenders on more often.

 

[17_Fan]

For sh*ts & giggles, I checked to find what Tim & Kerry's average finishing postions have been in the #12 this season.

Tim in 10 races has an average finish of 18.4
Kerry in 19 races has an average finish of 25.1

 

[71Fan]

I remember Dave giving up his last provisional so Kerry could race against his dad and brother at Michigan in a DEI clone-car disguised as the 71Realtree. Not so bad that he could not get the car in on time, but he crashed out like on the third lap. Just sad.

Then I think it was last year (or maybe the year before....they all kinda run together at my age) here in Vegas at the Busch race. Early in the race, Kerry was within about an eighth of a lap of going down one and sure enuf, mystery yellow. The safety trucks rolled down the Nellis Straight but wonder of wonders, none of them stopped. Jacques Debris strikes again.

Now don't get me wrong. I was real excited about Kerry in the 71 at Michigan. What a way for Dave to stay in the game.....but it didn't work out. Same thing about the 12 car. Just didn't work out.

Now just stop and think for a moment and then answer this question......

If there was ANY reason to believe that Kerry has what it takes, don't ya'll think his Pa woulda put just a bit more effort in to helping him along?

The kid just ain't got it.

your experience, opinions, and of course mileage may vary

 

[Parkfan]

Originally posted by 17_Fan@Oct 13 2003, 09:55 PM

I guess you've never seen Bill drive a sports car on a road course...you
know, the kind of track that requires you to know how to drive instead of
just 'go fast & turn left'. Unfortunately, I don't believe Kerry can even
do the latter. Some of you fans are so wrapped up in the fact that just
because he has the last name 'Earnhardt'...it automatically makes him a
talented race car driver. Maybe that's part of his problem...his name
wasn't Earnhardt until he decided to start racing.

IMO, this season there are only about 10 to 12 competitive driver/teams in
the CTS (Bill & Bobby D. not one of them). If Kerry finds his way into the top 10 in points next season,
I'll come back here and say you are totally correct & he is a talent.
Here's what I really think will happen: the first 5 races next season (not
including any DNQ's he may have)...I betcha he crashes out of at least four
of them.

Plus I'd venture to say that Tim Fedewa has been doing a hell of a lot better than Kerry in the #12, more importantly, he's been able to keep the fenders on more often.

Maybe that's where Bill belongs then. One or two top tens in top notch equipment in almost 2 years is a horrible statistic. When you have a rookie CTS driver in Chad Chaffin competing for a top ten spot in points in equal equipment, it points to the #8 teams problem as being the driver. No way does Bill get hand me downs. If Kerry ends up doing worse than Bill next year, I'll eat my words and switch my screename to BrentMoss#1.
Sure a bit of a improvement by Tim, but the same number of top tens as Kerry.

 

[Parkfan]

I checked out Bill Lester's stats. One top ten in 2 years of the Truck series in top notch equipment. Last Year he finshed 17th in points, lowest of the well-funded teams that ran the whole schedule, and behind drivers with far-less money like Lance Norick(5 top 10s) and Bobby Dotter(1 top 5, 4 top 10s). This year he's 13th in points, once again lowest of the well-funded teams that've run the whole schedule. Luckily for him, there are far less teams running the full schedule this year. Only 14 drivers have run all 22 races this year, and he's ranked 12th out of them. The two behind him have much worse equipment than Bill.

 

[17_Fan]

Originally posted by 71Fan@Oct 13 2003, 10:03 PM
I remember Dave giving up his last provisional so Kerry could race against his dad and brother at Michigan in a DEI clone-car disguised as the 71Realtree. Not so bad that he could not get the car in on time, but he crashed out like on the third lap. Just sad.

Then I think it was last year (or maybe the year before....they all kinda run together at my age) here in Vegas at the Busch race. Early in the race, Kerry was within about an eighth of a lap of going down one and sure enuf, mystery yellow. The safety trucks rolled down the Nellis Straight but wonder of wonders, none of them stopped. Jacques Debris strikes again.

Now don't get me wrong. I was real excited about Kerry in the 71 at Michigan. What a way for Dave to stay in the game.....but it didn't work out. Same thing about the 12 car. Just didn't work out.

Now just stop and think for a moment and then answer this question......

If there was ANY reason to believe that Kerry has what it takes, don't ya'll think his Pa woulda put just a bit more effort in to helping him along?

The kid just ain't got it.

your experience, opinions, and of course mileage may vary

So, you think an 'Earnhardt' yellow came out at Vegas? :lol:

I was at that Michigan race...he couldn't handle the car. Whether the track was too much for him or the car wasn't set up right...not sure.

I've seen a lot of Busch races in person the past three years & can't remember a single race that I was at were he didn't bring out a caution. Most of the time he caused a wreck, a couple times he spun himself out but was able to continue, and maybe once or twice he was in the wrong place & got caught up in someone else's mess.

Park Fan, I don't disagree with you that Bill probably doesn't have what it takes to run oval racing, but using that as your agruement to justify giving Kerry a truck ride doesn't fly. I'd be one for finding a 'more' deserving & talented driver than Kerry.

 

[Bucky Badger]

OMG, there have heen 127 different drivers in the trucks this year! Tracy Hines climes 39 places last week. LOL.
I really don't get into the trucks.

I wish Kerry luck where ever he ends up

Even more drivers in the Bush series. Never realized that. Time for me to get out from under that rock aeh.

 

[Parkfan]

Originally posted by 17_Fan@Oct 14 2003, 12:58 PM

Park Fan, I don't disagree with you that Bill probably doesn't have what it takes to run oval racing, but using that as your agruement to justify giving Kerry a truck ride doesn't fly. I'd be one for finding a 'more' deserving & talented driver than Kerry.

I think Kerry is more talented than Jason Leffler, who ran just as bad as Kerry in the BGN when driving JOE GIBBS EQUIPMENT! Obviously the equipment Kerry drove isn't even close to the caliber of Joe Gibbs Racing. Aside from Arca, Kerry hasn't had a top caliber ride. The competition level in the Truck series is much lower than the Busch Series. And heck even Chad Chaffin's in the top ten in points.

 

[97forever]

I am not sold on Kerry,not sold on Junior either,for that matter.
As the new young guns eclipse Dale Jr. it will become apparent that a name can only take you so far. Eventually results are going to have to be there. Remember Anna whatshernameakova in tennis a few years back?All the hype and none of the results? The same thing will apply here sooner or later,IMO.

But ok---I drifted off topic there.Sorry guys.My opinion?

Kerry is a waste of seat space.

 

[71Fan]

..............I've seen a lot of Busch races in person the past three years & can't remember a single race that I was at were he didn't bring out a caution..........

You too huh?

In 63 Busch races, Kerry's avg start has been 24.4 and his avg finish has been 25 with 2 top 5's and all of 5 top 10's. He has been on the lead lap at the end of these races a whopping 13 times. He crashed out 11 times.

To me, that is heartbreaking. I had high hopes for the kid. But like so many others that give the big time a shot, something didn't happen. Driver? Team? Car? Hard telling but it hardly matters.

Tho I wish him well, I doubt he will make much of an impact even in trucks.

 

[slick-nick]

... ya never know these days.

 

[Happy29]

I hold out hope for Kerry, unlike todays stars like Junior, Harvick, Kenseth, Kerry has never had a "prime" so to speak or a chance to show off what he could do either by himself or in top-notch equipment. I hope Kerry can make the best out of his situation and find a good Busch or Truck ride for next year.

 

[71Fan]

The DEI clone car disguised as the 71Realtree was not top notch equipment? You think Dale put Kerry in a rotten car at Michigan?

The DEI clone cars that he drove for Micheal Waltrip were not top notch equipment? You think Dale would send his son on track in junk?

Kerry HAD the opportunity.

 

[Happy29]

Yes but how many chances was given to drive it? 1.

I dont think 1 start in the Winston Cup is enough to critique someone and start calling them a bad driver especially when Kerry has had some good finishes with Busch cars and ARCA cars.

I still think Kerry has it in him and he SHOULD be given another oppurtunity.

 

[Whizzer]

I'm sure there is a team with millions of dollars willing to back a driver with a less than stellular record in the Busch Series and an average record in the ARCA Series. Someone wanting to throw thier money at a WInston Cup Car and gamble on a driver with a record like Kerry has.
Just joking.

Right now, the only thing Kerry Earnhardt has going for him is his last name and unless he can prove himself in mediocre equipment to showcase what talent he has, if any, he isn't going to be a name on any list and is not deserving of another chance in anything other than a lesser series to gain more experience and/or become another "taught" driver for someone wiling to spend the time and money.

Like it or not, the fact Dale Earnhardt was his father doesn't mean the racing genes automatically transfer to all the siblings. In this situation, Kerry might very well be odd man out.
Most arguments of KE supporters come from ones who are also Earnhardt, Sr. and RCR fans and appear to be based on personal emotion rather than logic and fact.

 

[17_Fan]

TY Whiz!

 

[17_Fan]

Originally posted by Happy29@Oct 15 2003, 10:17 AM
Yes but how many chances was given to drive it? 1.

I dont think 1 start in the Winston Cup is enough to critique someone and start calling them a bad driver especially when Kerry has had some good finishes with Busch cars and ARCA cars.

I still think Kerry has it in him and he SHOULD be given another oppurtunity.

Matt Kenseth...1st WC start...finshed 6th replacing Bill Elliott in the #94 when Bill's father passed away.

Dale Earnhardt Jr...1st WC start...finished 16th @ the Coca-Cola 600 @ Lowe's.

 

[RobbyG Fan]

Originally posted by 17_Fan+Oct 15 2003, 01:48 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (17_Fan @ Oct 15 2003, 01:48 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--Happy29@Oct 15 2003, 10:17 AM
Yes but how many chances was given to drive it? 1.

I dont think 1 start in the Winston Cup is enough to critique someone and start calling them a bad driver especially when Kerry has had some good finishes with Busch cars and ARCA cars.

I still think Kerry has it in him and he SHOULD be given another oppurtunity.

Matt Kenseth...1st WC start...finshed 6th replacing Bill Elliott in the #94 when Bill's father passed away.

Dale Earnhardt Jr...1st WC start...finished 16th @ the Coca-Cola 600 @ Lowe's. [/b][/quote]
Robby Gordon's first WC start... finished 18th at Daytona.


Sorry, but I dont think Kerry has got it to be competitive in any of the three series, regardless of what car he is driving.


Fedewa in the #12 in 2003: 10 races
Average finish: 18.4
# of DNF's due to crashes: 1

Earnhardt in the #12 in 2003: 19 races
Average finish: 25.1
# of DNF's due to crashes: 6

 

[17_Fan]

Originally posted by RobbyG Fan+Oct 15 2003, 12:50 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (RobbyG Fan @ Oct 15 2003, 12:50 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Originally posted by -17_Fan@Oct 15 2003, 01:48 PM
<!--QuoteBegin--Happy29

@Oct 15 2003, 10:17 AM
Yes but how many chances was given to drive it? 1.

I dont think 1 start in the Winston Cup is enough to critique someone and start calling them a bad driver especially when Kerry has had some good finishes with Busch cars and ARCA cars.

I still think Kerry has it in him and he SHOULD be given another oppurtunity.

Matt Kenseth...1st WC start...finshed 6th replacing Bill Elliott in the #94 when Bill's father passed away.

Dale Earnhardt Jr...1st WC start...finished 16th @ the Coca-Cola 600 @ Lowe's.

Robby Gordon's first WC start... finished 18th at Daytona.
[/b][/quote]
Rusty Wallace finished 2nd in his 1st WC start.

 

[71Fan]

Originally posted by Happy29@Oct 15 2003, 08:17 AM
Yes but how many chances was given to drive it? 1.

I dont think 1 start in the Winston Cup is enough to critique someone and start calling them a bad driver especially when Kerry has had some good finishes with Busch cars and ARCA cars.

I still think Kerry has it in him and he SHOULD be given another oppurtunity.

Who called Kerry a BAD driver? Just cause if I owned a car I'ld rather have a couple hundred other drivers in it than Kerry doesn't mean I wouldn't put him in the car.

There are a two ways to secure and keep a top ride in NASCAR's top divisions nowadays.

1. Be really, really good.
2. Be really, really pretty.

Being both is optimum, but Kerry is niether. I've still got a secret concerning Kim Crosby at left btw who may not be really, really good but she sure as heck is really, really pretty.

Everybody else is bass out.

 

[Whizzer]

There are a two ways to secure and keep a top ride in NASCAR's top divisions nowadays.
1. Be really, really good.
2. Be really, really pretty.
Being both is optimum, but Kerry is niether. I've still got a secret concerning Kim Crosby at left btw who may not be really, really good but she sure as heck is really, really pretty.
Everybody else is bass out.

Now there ya go 71Fan, a perfect opportunity to open the door to a new thread.

Who got thier ride because they are either (a) really, really, good OR ( very pretty OR both (d) a promoters and publicist dream.

Let's start with Kim Crosby. She definitely is a looker but there must be a modicum of talent underneath the attractive exterior. How much ?? Guess we'll wait to find out when she tangles with the big dogs. It would be nice if she made it on talent with personal appearance being a second place item.

Since God made man and woman, most likely the thoughts of the male will revert to the primate correlation to the female species and opportunity offered for the wrong reason, if it wasn't already. Unfortunately, this increases the pressure already placed on her to do well.

There are definitely others who have talent and looks, talent and no looks or just looks, but the fans certainly must have thier own thoughts on who falls into which category. So go for it folks.