Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief keeps NASCAR star in check

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn’t popular at all in school, he says, but that has changed dramatically. We all know that. He has won NASCAR’s “Most Popular Driver” award nine times in a row.

Once, when Jeff Gordon wanted to get out of a speeding ticket, he called Earnhardt on the phone and let the officer who stopped him listen in on the conversation. Gordon’s name recognition apparently wasn’t enough – he had to bring in the heavy hitter.

But some people don’t treat Earnhardt like the celebrity he is. Some people push him.

One of the most important in that category is his crew chief, Steve Letarte, whom Earnhardt gives a lot of the credit for a 2011 season in which he finished seventh – his first top-20 end-of-year finish since 2008.

Earnhardt said Letarte was really “strict” with him – and that he likes it. Earnhardt’s daily schedule changed immediately in 2011 when Letarte became his crew chief for the first time.

“He wanted me there early,” Earnhardt said Wednesday. “I was grumbling about it at first and he was like, ‘Man, that’s the deal. That’s just the way it is.’ ”

Said Letarte: “I ask him to be a part of the team and treat him no differently than I would treat a tire changer. We all know he’s a superstar. We know he’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. But he has responsibilities to the team just like everyone else.”

Letarte requires detailed written reports from Earnhardt after each race. He has the driver showing up earlier than he ever has and staying later. “I like to see him before practice,” Letarte said. “I want him to engage with us. Come see us. Be a part of things.”

Said Earnhardt: “I never really had anybody ask much of me as far as a crew chief goes – just be there with your helmet and be ready to drive when it’s time to drive.”

Earnhardt said the additional structure has helped him. When Earnhardt’s car isn’t behaving on the track, he has had a tendency to give what he admits is “broad” and “generic” criticism on the radio. Saying the car is awful doesn’t help anybody – other drivers sometimes are better at pinpointing the problem so it can be fixed. Earnhardt said he’s now getting there.

For all that, Earnhardt didn’t win a race in 2011. He remains stuck on 18 wins in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup series and hasn’t won a race in the top series since 2008. At age 37, he may have already reached his peak as a driver.

But at least Earnhardt feels he has a chance with Letarte – a former crew chief for Gordon – calling the shots. And keeping Earnhardt confident is a significant part of the battle.

Earnhardt seems to do best under a demanding crew chief. Tony (Pops) Eury Sr. shepherded most of Earnhardt’s big wins, although he wanted different things out of Earnhardt than Letarte does.

“Pops was really hard,” Earnhardt said. “Strict, tough. But he doesn’t want detailed reports or written feedback. He doesn’t want you there early to talk to him. ... But when you messed up, you were in trouble and you got your tail chewed on.

"Steve doesn’t do that. Pops was just as effective, but a totally different approach. ... Pops is a little more like a drill sergeant and Steve’s a lot more like a cheerleader.”

Said Earnhardt’s team owner, Rick Hendrick: “Steve is exactly what Dale needed. He knows when to give him some tough love. He’s not afraid to grab him by the collar. And Dale respects that.”

Earnhardt has told Letarte to stay on him this season – that he needs it.

Letarte said not to worry. He will.

And all of that should give Junior’s legions of fans a bit of hope as the 2012 season begins.

Scott Fowler: 704-358-5140; sfowler@charlotteobserver.com

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