Saturday, February 8th 'What If' Question

The short and successful pairing of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Steve Letarte comes to end following the 2014 season.

Letarte has taken a position with NBC to become a broadcaster in 2015 as the network begins their NASCAR takeover. He’ll serve as an analyst alongside Jeff Burton and Rick Allen when the second half of the season coverage begins. Yet in doing so that means he has to relinquish his position as crew chief and the only home he’s ever had in Hendrick Motorsports.

Letarte and Earnhardt Jr. have been paired together since 2011 and have made the Chase every season since. Finishing a best fifth in points this past year. In their three seasons together thus far, the two have scored one win and four poles.

Even more important however, was the chemistry the two had built. Something that appeared difficult for Earnhardt Jr. and the numerous crew chiefs who came before. After the announcement was made, the most popular driver talked about how much Letarte has done for him both personally and professionally, changing his personality and confidence.

The two now enter their fourth and final season together. With both firmly stating that nothing would change this year as they continue to prepare the same to win races and challenge for the championship.

The new crew chief for Earnhardt Jr. won’t be announced until late in the season or even after the 2014 season has come to an end. Earnhardt Jr., while he said he doesn’t want any part in deciding who gets the job, might not have a choice as team owner Rick Hendrick said that he among others will have input in the next man to take the hot seat on the 88 pit box.

But …

What if Hendrick Motorsports allowed fan input on who Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s new crew chief should be, who’s your first pick and why?

@BeeOhBeeRT_R Pete Rondeau. Because I like to laugh.

@jerracing10 It should be his race engineer. They should promote him up to crew chief.

@skeene1202 don’t matter-he is the most overrated driver ever. If his last name was diff he would be sitin at home watchin tv.

@RRP88 either Alan Gustafson or wishful thinking Chad Knaus! They have experience working with Jr and know how to handle the pressure

@JamersonD Darian Grubb. Already knows the Hendrick system how Knaus operates. Proven race and championship winning crew chief.