Rick Hendrick changes crew chiefs for Dale Earnhardt Jr., but will it change Earnhardt's fortunes?

   By Mike Mulhern
   mikemulhern.net

   DOVER, Del.
   Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s long slump has just cost long-time crew chief and buddy Tony Eury Jr. his job.
   Rick Hendrick announced Thursday that Lance McGrew will take over "as interim crew chief" for NASCAR's most popular driver beginning next week at Pocono, Pa.
   This week, for Sunday's 400, Hendrick has put team manager Brian Whitesell in charge.
   "Our performance hasn't been where it should be," Hendrick said. "It's impossible to pin that on any one factor. But a change is the right decision at this point. We have a plan in place, and we're going to move forward with it.
   "We're going to put our full resources toward improving the situation and winning races.
   "It's going to be a collective effort that includes all of our drivers, all of our crew chiefs and all of our engineers. Everyone in our company will be involved on some level."
    Eury will move "into a key role with Hendrick Motorsports' research and development group."
    Eury posted one victory, one pole position, 19 top-10 finishes and 11 top-fives in 48 races with the No. 88 team.
    "I have mixed feelings, and that's just natural," Eury said.
    "But I enjoy working at Hendrick Motorsports, and this is where I want to be.
    "I'll do whatever I can to help all of our teams and try to be a part of another championship.   
   "I think a new challenge will be good."
    Hendrick said he and Eury "talked through this" Wednesday night.
    "I want him here, he wants to be here, and he's going to be a big contributor to our future success.
    "I have an unbelievable amount of respect for the job he's done and for the caliber of person that he is."