very good! thumbs up

Jr's radio interview - as best as I could transcribe it and paraphrase some...........

Question on how the car is progressing and comments on Saturday night

Going in a better direction worked really hard all night

I was happy with the car in practice, at end of race we adjusted something trying to get going and the tires could have had something to do with it. Issues with cars were hit and miss even if not making changes on pitstops for everyone. The track was slick but fun.

Q. On educating some listeners about criticism of his off track activities/businesses

A. I read some articles and theories about having too much going on - or the burn at Sonoma affecting me. That Sonoma theory is poor I went to Bristol and Dega and won after that.

Q. People don’t realize how involved you are with the team

A. I hear criticisms, I really take it on the chin when there’s room for it, and we haven’t run good. I understand when we have a poor performance.

Nature of chemistry and changes what works and doesn’t we were in a swamp and done a lot of things. A lot of people worked hard to make the car better. Some results paid dividends in last couple of weeks. We are on the verge of putting ourselves back in position to win.

Situation is no matter who you are driver or mechanic what your job is you can expect criticism - I’m no different

Q. How often do you go to Whisky River, you don’t close the place down at 2am do you?

A. When things are good I go all time - but only 1 or 2 times this season. Priority is Sunday, other things take a back seat. What are you supposed to do in life? Create opportunity for yourself and accomplishing goals, there’s no limit no guidelines on what you achieve. I do things within my means and ability.

I want to leave more of a mark than just wins and success on the race track

Q. Going to meetings with the team?

A. since taking on the job at Hendrick I’m involved with a lot of things that I was not involved in before - the driver is a very vocal piece to the puzzle. It’s a great feeling to be a voice where you can have impact on your own direction. I enjoy that - all the drivers I work with we all play a huge roll on day to day activity on development and direction of race team. I think when I began working for Rick my passion and extra effort every day got better - It got more serious for me, I felt I could make a difference.

Phones. Columbus Ga. Q. About the rumor mill NW for Danica? A. We’re definitely interested in looking at opportunities for her in the near future. I consider myself good friends with Danica having worked with GoDaddy who is a potential sponsor for her - we would enjoy being a part of that. We have always left the door open for a Cup series opportunity for NW to move to Cup - but that comes from sponsor funding. Takes a lot of money - waiting for partner with same interest. I’m excited she’s serious. I’m excited having her in program and the series.

Q. Should she start in NW or ARCA? Would her brand be damaged if she went to NW or ARCA before Cup? - Would you counsel her to go there?

A. I think her plan is to continue racing Indy cars and take her off weekends to run Nascar events and I’m guessing ARCA or NW. I think that’s a good move, maintaining her current relationship while she drives in either NW, trucks or ARCA. It may be something she enjoys and she doesn’t have any idea what it’s like or where her true passion is. She can decide to go in either direction.

Q. What is the process to replace BK?

A. I look at what drivers are interesting, I follow most all NW and truck guys and the guys that have potential. One of the things I liked about Brad - he can take a car and run it better and keep it in one piece. We’re on a strict budget. Talking with Kelly Bires and talking to several people for the 5 car to run it full time - based on partners we can find to sponsor each car.

Q. from NC - Is there anything you can pinpoint that keeps you more humble and taking responsibility like you do?

A - People in my life - my father, Tony Sr, Rick and people that you look up to and being in contact on a regular basis who influence you. People treat you with respect, I treat people as they treat me that works really good.

Q. Hendersonville NC - What do you think of the 3 truck on the track? I’m perfectly comfortable with it. Lots of people have differing opinions and strong feelings about that number itself and how it’s used in the future. Richard is an amazing owner and a good friend to my father I trust him - It will have to come back one day since there are no retired numbers in Nascar, as it should be. Someone will take it and have respect for it carrying on the reputation for the number. Proud it’s easing back in. RC will always do the right thing.

Q. is that a hope a one race deal some day to bring 3 out for you?

A. I never say never depends on how things happen - that’s about 10 -15 years out. There’s a good chance that # would have come back by then, I wouldn’t be against it. If it was being done for the right reasons and in good taste. If it’s not 100% right I probably wouldn’t do it.

Americas heroes NG and Chevy together promotion Chevy R&R weekend @ everydayhero.com - submit a story about a military member between 9-10 to 9-28. The winner wins a 2010 Chevy and attends CMA awards which I will be going to. All American Rejects sing during pre-race show, they’re a favorite of mine - Chevy is also donating a car to the USO signed by all the rivers.

Q. HOF first group of 5 - who do you think should go in?

A. Bill Sr and Jr, Junior Johnson, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt.

Q. One thing I heard RP comment - he said he shouldn’t go in first.

A. There are several guys that we have no way to know the impact they had - no way to make a comparison. In some way shape or form there should be a way to vote in per era. A lot of guys deserve to go in before my father. We shouldn’t make the older guys wait. Originals should make the list.

Hey, now I want to listen live to Jr & crew!!!
Excellent recount of Atlanta by the way. And really appreciate the interview text. Jr such a good guy and he simply deserves the best on and off the track.

May God bless and keep him -- and also give him a good machine to race! :-)