================================================ Subject: NCR: Jr. interview introduction From: "Misty Farmer" To: Date: Wed 4 Apr 2001 12:37:05 -0000 ================================================ I went over and visited Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Monday. I've seen him at the track and talked to him in passing, but this was the first time we had a chance to sit down and see how he was feeling. It was really quite touching. He's such a sweet young guy and I really think a lot of him. I didn't want to do anything that was going to get him upset or bring back any bad memories. We talked for an hour on tape about a number of things — his relationship with his dad, what he thought his future would be like now that his dad isn't there for him — we laughed, and we cried. I think we could have gone on for two or three hours but we had to cut it off at an hour. It was quite enjoyable to be there with him in his house with all of his stuff — especially Buddy the cat. He stole the show. He jumped right up in the middle of us on the table and lay down and I told Dale, "Buddy doesn't seem too impressed with us." Buddy went to sleep right on the table beside of us — I guess maybe we weren't too entertaining. I enjoyed spending time with Dale Jr. and getting his thoughts and feelings. He is a very intelligent young man who presents and expresses himself well. But he misses his dad — deeply. The tributes paid every week to his dad — those are great for all of us and great for the fans — don't really allow him a chance to have closure. I could feel that. I know he appreciates all the tributes — and rightfully so — but it makes it difficult when he goes to the track every week and they brings back those memories. I'm very proud of the piece — what we got and how we did it. And then to come down here, which Dale Jr. was excited about. I think it may be the first race since Daytona that he's been excited about. He knew he had a pretty good setup here in Texas because he won here last year. I don't think he anticipated sitting on the pole, but I think he knew he was going to run well here, possibly having his first chance to win a race this year. Sitting on the pole is a bonus, as far as he's concerned. My wife Stevie visited with Dale Jr. after he qualified Friday afternoon. He came and found her and told her that he had the pole and that made my wife very happy because Dale Sr. and Stevie had a very special relationship. She had "shepherded" him in a lot of ways and there was a great deal of respect and admiration between my wife and Dale Sr. Stevie has had a hard time figuring out how to deal with Dale Jr. because of all of the emotions she had for his dad. She really cares about Dale Jr. as well, and she was really thrilled for him Friday. I talked to Dale Jr. Saturday morning in my coach. He's got that look in his eyes — he's got that flame back. He's got his game-face on and he's ready to go racing. He knows he can win this race and he knows that would be the best thing for him, for his family, for his team — for everybody. I believe that would mean more to him than anything right now. Dale Jr. can pay tribute to his father in that kind of way — and that's the way Dale Sr. would want his son to recognize him. He would want Dale Jr. to recognize him from victory lane — with a victory. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE Budweiser E-mail account at http://budweiser.com Budweiser E-Mail must be used responsibly and only is for consumers 21 years of age and older! Disclaimer: Neither Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (the makers of BUDWEISER beer) nor the operator of this E-Mail service or their respective affiliates have seen, endorsed or approved any of the content in this e-mail and expressly disclaim all liability for the content in whole and in part. To unsubscribe or change your preferences for the Creed-Discuss list, visit: http://www.winduplist.com/ls/discuss/form.asp