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Monday, January 7 Jarrett, Elledge could compete ESPN.com We asked our users whether DJ and new crew chief Jimmy Elledge could jell fast enough for Jarrett to compete for the 2002 Winston Cup crown. Here are some of the responses:
When it comes to class and dignity in racing, as well as superb corporate sponsorship, DJ is by far the leader in NASCAR. The transition of crew chiefs should do little to mar this excellent driver's ability to win another Winston Cup Championship. Sarah Mullis Starkville, Miss.
The big question is how fast can Todd Parrott teach Jimmy Elledge. Todd is still around and knows the RYR operation inside and out, although he will not be sitting in the pit box, his input will still be close at hand. I predict not only a strong showing early (victory at Daytona) but also a second championship. Greg Burkett Newport News, Va.
I think that Dale and Jimmy will be just fine in their first season together for two reasons: (1) Bobby Hamilton, for whom he worked with previously has given him a vote of confidence and (2) his new boss, Robert Yates, will provide him with top-notch equipment and personnel to work with. There is no reason to think that this team will not be a serious contender for the title in 2002. Robert Yates won't let that happen. Mike Roosen Marysville, Mich.
(He can finish) first if Harvick or Robby Gordon don't wreck him every week. DJ is a class act and good for the class fans of the sport. Terry Pettigrew Greensboro, N.C.
I think Dale Jarrett will seriously challenge for the championship in 2002. With Todd Parrott taking care of pre-race setups and Elledge on race weekends, I think it will benefit the team. Remember, last year one of the 88 team's problems was that they weren't very fast off the truck. I think Todd Parrott working back in the shop on pre-race setup is a big help. Aaron McKim New Albany, Ind.
The numbers do not lie in the case of the Dale Jarrett and Todd Parrott relationship. The two have teamed for 24 victories in 200 starts together. Without Parrott as crew chief, Jarrett has four wins in 259 starts. Is it the Yates equipment? Almost half of the 259 starts without Parrott were in Yates or Joe Gibbs Racing cars, and many of the other starts were for the Wood Brothers or Cale Yarborough. Nothing to slouch at.
DJ's career blossomed the minute he and Todd Parrott were joined, especially since they won their first race together, the 1996 Daytona 500. It was a magical combination. I think DJ will still be one of the top drivers on the circuit in 2002, but probably not the same Jarrett that we saw dominate the late 90s.
I don't know if the two of them can jell in time but I would never under play what a man like Dale Jarrett can do if given a healthy car. He had some malfunctions that took him out last year as well as bad luck. I would love to see him do it. He brings a lot to the sport, his character, ability and desire to win. Richard Houlden Newport News, Va.
I see Jarrett falling even further in the standings in 2002, changing crew chiefs will hurt his chances, not to mention he is getting older every year and all the young guns are more aggressive than he is. Jay Barnett Tulsa, Okla.
He will finish first. No way he can have the same bad luck that he had last year, and Jeff Gordon had more than his share of good luck. Gordon is not as skilled he just seems to have better luck and this year it is Jarrett's turn to have a little more lady luck to go along with his tremendous skill level. Don Bassindale Ontario, Canada
I think he will finish in the top 5 again. Parrott and Dale Jarrett had something that just clicked. It might take a little while to replace that. I think that Elledge will be a good change, sometimes change is good. You got to figure, try going around in circles at 180 mph with bruised and broken ribs. I think he had a good season considering he spent most of it hurt. Michelle Sebastian Covington, Ky.
DJ will always be a threat to win every race. I think Jimmy will catch on real quick and performance will be admirable. However the competition is so tough these days I see DJ no better than fifth or sixth this coming season.Dale has been, is, and always will be a credit not only to the sport and his family, but to the human race! Arthur Lumino Las Vegas
DJ will have to work his tail off in the car to finish top 5 in the standings. With Gordon in his prime and young guns like little E, Stewart, and Harvick coming on, and B. Labonte still in the mix, DJ will have to be better than he was in 99. Clint Thomas Longview, Texas  Send this story to a friend | Most sent stories
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