NASCAR Cup Series

The Hot Pass: Dale Jr. takes positive first step

Published Jun. 1, 2009 5:45 p.m. ET

foxsports

While Jimmie Johnson enjoyed a celebratory spin on the frontstretch at Dover International Speedway, the focus of the weekend remained on his Hendrick Motorsports teammate and 12th-place finisher Dale Earnhardt Jr.

After he parted ways with his cousin and long-time crew chief Tony Eury Jr., the latest Earnhardt chapter began Sunday with crew chief Lance McGrew on the pit box.