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NASCAR WCUP: Richard Childress Waits As Long Time Friend Recovers From Surgery

28 December 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt have accomplished more together than any other team in NASCAR Winston Cup racing. During their 20 year relationship the two have shared triumphs and tragedies and have always been there for one another. This past week Richard Childress has been supporting his long-time friend as he underwent surgery to repair a ruptured disc in his spinal column.

As the driver of the RCR/GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Earnhardt is expected to be out of his race car for approximately six weeks. He is scheduled to return behind the wheel in time for Daytona International Speedway's Speedweeks activities. But the RCR crew member's aren't sitting back and waiting on the seven-time champion. They know that when Earnhardt's ready to return in six weeks they better be ready for him.

"The most important thing is that Dale Earnhardt gets 100 percent healthy," said Childress. "He knows that we want him back in the race car as soon as he is ready, but not before then. If you know anything about Dale Earnhardt you can bet when Dr. Branch gives him the green flag to get back in the car, he'll be the first one at the track ready to go with uniform on and helmet in hand."

In the mean time crew chief Kevin Hamlin and crew will be spending the month of January preparing for Earnhardt's return and getting the new 2000 No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Monte Carlo ready for him.

"We have a strong superspeedway program at RCR," remarked Kevin Hamlin. "The 2000 Monte Carlo will be a challenge over the winter, but I'm confident that by the time Dale is all healed up and ready to go we'll be ready for him. I told him to just take it easy and get better and we'll have his seat warm for him when the doctor gives us the word."

Until the "Intimidator" returns, the RCR team will continue to work towards preparing for the first test session schedule to begin in January. They are currently talking to several drivers that can pilot the No. 3 Chevrolet during the January testing sessions.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.