image from www.speedtv.com and designer Justin Wilkinson
Dale Earnhardt Jr is still loosing this year.
Several weeks ago Dale Earnhardt Jr lost an engine at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He had been competing for the lead with Tony Stewart before loosing his engine.
The following week at Pocono, Dale Jr finished 2nd to Kurt Busch, the driver he was fighting for 12th place in the Nextel Cup standings.
Then he went to Watkins Glen and lost another engine. Running toward the front the first part of the race, he blew the engine. This set him back to 14th in points, 100 points out of 12th place Kurt Busch.
Michigan now became a bigger problem. Not only did he need to perform well, he needed to get by the family Earnhardt problems. And he needed to get through an extended weekend because of ran. It’s now Tuesday and he had to listen to all the questions about his future. And the press asked.
DEI and Hendrick couldn’t reach an agreement on the #8 transfer. Teresa wanted limited control of the #8 and Junior wanted to be free and clear of her in 2008. Now Junior lost the #8 and Budweiser for 2008. He’ll start completely over with a new team, sponsor, and identity. The familar red #8 Budweiser Chevrolet will probably be replaced with a #81 Green Mountain Dew Chevrolet.
Then even though he gained one position to 13th place in points, he’s now 163 points out of 12th place Kurt Busch. And Kurt Busch wins the race, NASCAR Now was right on there prediction.
With all that’s happened in the last four weeks, how can Junior keep his mind focused to the task at hand, getting into the chase.
So what’s next? Teresa trying to hold onto license rights to Dale Jr’s name. Or not making the chase. We’ll see over the next three weeks what happens. Who could keep there head in the game with all that’s happened.
