How long before the headline reads - "Steve Letarte out, Gordo looking for new crew chief"

Question

I like Steve and he has been a great asset to the team since he came on board over 10 years ago.. But w/ the COT and everything else going on @ Hendrick, it seems they have lost what little they had. I'm not blaming Gordo's performance on Letarte alone, but I think lack of communication and understanding has led to a lot of bad race cars this season. I really doubt Jeff, or Rick Hendrick will put up w/ it much longer, and if they want a serious shot @ the 2009 Title, I think they need to replace Letarte immediately! I know w/ the CHASE upcoming, that could be a disaster for the whole team.. but I think you have to start looking @ next season sooner rather than later. What are your thoughts on the Rainbow Warrior duo?

Also, Just want to mention what a joy it was Saturday and Sunday watching Ambrose race and finally break through in the Nationwide series.. I love seeing a guy so enthusiastic about getting his first win, and it couldn't of happened to a nicer guy! (

Answer 1

I really don't think that Steve is to blame. I think that the whole HMS team has struggled to figure out the COT and I have to partially agree with what some say about HMS focusing more on Jr. this year I wouldn't say they're giving him the best parts, but maybe just put the rest of the drivers on the back burner for the first half of the season. My guess is that you can look for  the 24, 48, and the 88 to be in the chase when it's all said and done.

Answer 2

If he doesn't get a handle on the COT's setup by chase time, I would say there is a good chance he won't be back next year. I think it will be a crying shame too, as they have made an excellent pair before. But, Jeff can't seem to drive the cars the way they are set up, hence that means Letarte is not doing his job fully.

Answer 3

I do not think that Letarte is going anywhere. They still make an unbelievable team. And I think Gordon is pretty loyal to his crew chief.  

Answer 4

I agree I think Steve is a good Crew chief but there is something lacking there.  Maybe because Steve is too young, I don't know.

Yes, Marcos Ambrose is such a nice guy too.

Answer 5

I think that if #24 team stays in the hunt for the Chase Letarte will be the crew chief through the end of the season. This late in the season to pull the plug on Jeff's crew chief would be disastrous. If they happen to fall bad in the next few weeks then yes I think they can Letarte and get ready for 2009.

I feel the same way about Marcos Ambrose, it was great to see him win. You could tell he was really appreciative.

BTW, good to see ya again William.

Answer 6

If wins don't come soon, that is what is going to happen.

Answer 7

Steve Latarte isn't the problem. The problem is that since the beginning

of this season, Hendrick has put all his best parts and engines into Dale Jr.'s 88 car (how else do you think the former sucky 25 car has

improved so much)? Until, Hendrick balances the good equipment out,

Gordon, Johnson & Mears(soon to be Martin) wont do as well.

Answer 8

This is in no way an insult to Gordon, Letarte or his fans, but...

You can just tell by the way Letarte looks and talks that he was one of the 'geeks' who loved to watch nascar and stayed inside all summer and played with his erector sets. I feel bad for him, because I just know that's what his childhood was like. I can feel it whenever I see him on TV.

I say the CoT has torn everyone down except for the 18 and 99 and 48. I say the 24 team and 18 team make a crew cheif swap. Addington seems to know what he's doing, and Letarte doesn't. Letarte hasn't been making good cars, and Rowdy seems to just be excellant with bad cars.  

Answer 9

I completely agree with you. I think there maybe a change soon if he doesn't  start winning soon. It seems to me like Steve has lost his edge with  the cot.

Answer 10

I don't think Steve is the problem. Hendrick flat out dominated with the COT last year, and now you see all the other teams like Gibbs and Roush all caught up. Just last year Jeff had a most worthy championship year going. It's only been a year removed since then. I say give them time. Jeff and Steve are too good of a combo to let something like this hamper them for too long. Jeff knows that. Steve knows that.

And congrats to Ambrose, what a great win for him!

Mountain Dew fan: I have NO idea what you just said.

Answer 11

I like Steve but I know many of Gordon's fans are not that impressed with him.  Last year it seemed like every decision he made was right, even though Jeff didn't agree with many of them.  When you are so dominant and having the kind of season that the 24 car did last year you can make risky calls when it comes to race strategies.  If you get luck on your side and win a few that you might not have it can make a crew chief look like a genius.  This year they have not had the luxury of just throwing caution to wind and go for as many wins as possible.  They are trying to make sure that they just make the chase and prtect their spot in the standings.  The success of the 24 team last year was probably more due to all the personnel behind the scenes at HMS that were responsible for their COT development and some racing luck in at leat a few races that they won.  Steve may have looked better than he actually was last year.  I'm not sure who Rick could bring in to take over as the new crew chief but he has a knack for promoting people from within the organization.  I agree about Ambrose, his love of driving is eveident and I like how he did not push too hard at the end of the cup race and jeopordize his or Tony's finish.  He is a breath of fresh air in NASCAR and his enthusiasm is infectious.

Answer 12

By October!

Jeff Gordon cant have a "BAD" crew chief. Even though they are the best ones out there.

But Letarte is going to be out by October I would say.

Answer 13

First off, your dead on about Ambrose. It was awesome to see him a great weekend. With how Letarte is doing and Eury Jr is doing, I wouldn't be surprised if Mr. Hendrick did a Roush styled crew chief swap. Maybe it would be good for the whole team if they did that. I think they could really help each other.