McGrew to stay on as Earnhardt crew chief in '10

Lance McGrew had the interim tag removed from his crew chief title Friday when Hendrick Motorsports said he'll stay with Dale Earnhardt Jr. next season.

Now that the "interim" has been removed from the beginning of Lance McGrew's crew chief title, the No. 88 team knows the direction it will take moving forward.

But where does the greatest improvement need to be made? Finishing the race.

Of the 66 drivers that have competed in the Sprint Cup Series this season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is 66th among competitors that gain or lose positions over the last 10 percent of the race. Earnhardt averages a 17.8 position mid-race, an 18.7 average position throughout the race and an average finish of 23.1. In 32 races this season, Earnhardt has lost a season-high 93 positions in the closing laps.