When asked how difficult has it been going through this season and having to wait to know what you're going to have next year? Jr. answered with some true class, “It hasn't been that difficult. I've used the anticipation to motivate me for the rest of this season. You know, there's all kinds of ways to find motivation, to work hard.
”I think I've said quite a bit here lately especially, the integrity of my team that I'm currently driving for is really on the line here, not only for myself but the road guys, the road crew. It's really important that we work hard, we sort of make a good statement as we close this out and start a new chapter next year.
”So I'm having a lot of fun working real hard the remainder of the season. You know, I'm going to put the cars that I'll be driving in the next few races, they're going to go through it because the anticipation is just, you know, at a boiling point and I'm ready to get over to Rick's and start working.
”I haven't really had a chance to get over there [Hendricks] and meet everybody one-on-one, understand the personalities that are moving around in that shop. That's another exciting part about it that will happen in the off-season. I'm trying to really focus on the job that I still have to finish and trying to give those guys all the focus I can.”
What about his own re-branding and how do these new companies will fit? Jr. proved he has a sense of humor about it, too. “Well, the persona, my personality, hasn't changed at all. There are just some new partners in the fold. I'm really excited to be pairing up with Mountain Dew and AMP especially, to be able to work with AMP. When they got me up at 5:00 this morning, I've had a chance to really try out the effectiveness of the product. I'm pretty pleased to be sitting here and not yawning in front of you guys.”
The big question is how will he do with Hendricks equipment next year? Jr. said, “That's a great question. But the one thing I want to avoid is any kind of comparison between team owners or companies or whatnot. It's really difficult in this sport, the way it is today, everybody has the opportunity to obtain the same equipment, same personnel, the same talent, whether it be behind the wheel or over the wall.
”To be honest with you, I feel like I'm the best driver out there. I think every driver will have that attitude. I don't feel it's overconfident to have it. I feel like my crew chief needs to feel the same way, and I need to feel that way about him. It goes on down the line to each crew member and everybody that ever touches or ever has any association with the car itself.
”…Everybody knows that Rick's is the best thing going right now. He has the best cars, the best track record, he's got a lot of great drivers. His equipment, everything over there is top-notch, from one end of the shop to the other…So, I think, when you put me and Tony Jr., who have proven to be a successful combination, in that kind of equipment, it can only mean more success than we actually have achieved in the past…I'm anticipating hitting the ground running from Daytona on.”
