Yea all this for a guy with 2 career wins. Wake me with the Earnhardt comparisons when he gets to maybe 10 wins, a championship, and hes not having “tough conversations” with his owner and manufacturer. The Imitator is all Ross is. I remember the garage and industry respected Earnhardt, you think if Ross wins the Daytona 500, they’re lining up on pit road to shake his hand?
Numerous similarities between Ross and Dale, Sr., and thinking back to when Dale, Sr. started in the series. I'm old enough to remember what transpired in the mid-to late '70's with Earnhardt. Ross has the ability and temperament to prove he is as good as many feel he is. Keep in mind, Dale,Sr. did not become the drivers spokesman and direct line to the NASCAR front office for many years and in between, there were a lot of hard feelings, a few punishments and a little payback as was seen during the early years with Ernie Irvan. Earnhardt, Sr., drove aggressively when he had to and by controlling that aggression eventually earned the respect he received. Ross will do the same.
Rick Hendrick was within his rights to put Justin on notice and Justin apparently got the message loud and clear. This will become a game changer.
Once again, while there are those who decry Rick Hendrick for his criticism he was doing what team owners and drivers do best, police their own.
I'm a cheerleader for Ross. I think he has great potential to rival the best of the best, once he controls his aggression. His problem was Justin allowing him to have free rein and got away with it for too long. Ross will win and he will not disappoint his naysayers nor those who want to see payback. He has been given his limits and it is up to him. In the end, my prediction is, he will become one of the greats in the sport and receive respect from fellow drivers and team owners.