Junior Nation is in despair. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is having the worst season of his career and his fans want answers.

Their suspicions that something is awry at Hendrick Motorsports were recently inflamed after comments made by Tony Gibson.

Gibson, former crew chief for Jr. in 2007, doesn’t believe Earnhardt is getting what he needs at HMS and called for a major team overhaul. He recently spoke with ESPN reporter David Newton and expressed his concerns.

“It’s going to have to be the right situation and the right group of guys who believe in him,” Gibson said. “Give Dale Jr. what Dale Jr. wants, what he needs to drive the race car, and he'll be fine."

This was the final straw and set in motion an online petition demanding action.  It’s titled “A Call to Rick Hendrick to Make Changes to Team 88,” and reads as follows.

We have suspected for quite some time now that there is a problem somewhere within the 88 team, either in the shop or at the track. The statements released today from Tony Gibson have proven that our gut feelings were accurate. The fans would like this to be taken care of immediately! We the fans thought our equipment would be first class at Hendrick Motorsports. Please act now.

Thank you,
Junior Nation

No one can disagree with the fact that this has been a disastrous season for Dale Earnhardt Jr. but to lay all blame at the feet of Hendrick Motorsports is unfair. Mistakes have been made by the entire team and you can’t overlook the bad luck that has plagued them.

Is it Rick Hendrick’s fault that Jr. has repeatedly missed his pit box this season? Should he also take responsibility for numerous pit crew miscues? Has crew chief Lance McGrew been blameless?

The answer is a resounding no.

Rick Hendrick’s record as a team owner speaks for itself. His past and current successes prove that he’s an astute businessman perfectly capable of running his company without the help of Junior Nation.

Junior has placed his trust in Rick Hendrick and I suggest his fans do the same.