Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gives Crew Chief Steve Letarte Ride Of His Life
(L-R) Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet, talks with crew chief Steve Letarte.
When it comes to winning races, driver-crew chief communication is an essential key to success. There's no doubt over the course of a relationship, both crew chief and driver wished they could ride along with one another to get a better feel for the car.
Be careful what you wish for.
During an event for the Dale Jr. Foundation at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. convinced crew chief Steve Letarte to take a ride in a Sprint Cup Series car for the first time in his career.
Before climbing in the car, Letarte told JR Motorsports' Mike Davis he would most likely be screaming like a little girl.
The duo took an extra lap around the speedway to discuss the feel from inside the car, something very rare for a crew chief.
"There's nothing that matches the sensation, the loads and the roughness," Letarte said. "That was a good enough speed, I don't think I need to go qualifying or nothing."
Will the laps around Charlotte Motor Speedway lead to better calls atop the pit box this weekend? Only time will tell.
