Whether you're a devoted member of 'Junior Nation' or you think he's simply not worth all the hype, here are the facts. Through the first five races of 2010, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has recorded one top-5 (2nd at Daytona) and a top-10 (7th at Bristol on Sunday). His average start has been 10.4 and his average finish has been 14.4. Now, let's compare to the first five races of 2009:
Junior's average start was a terrible 26.8, his average finish was a not-much-better 20.2, with just one top-10 finish (10th) in the first five events.
Jerry Bonkowski says: From the stats, it appears Junior has made some significant improvement in 2010. But at the same time, he's been flying under the radar of attention. That won't last long, however: with his 7th at Bristol, he moves up five spots in the standings to 8th heading into Sunday's race at Martinsville. While I won't go so far as saying Junior is definitely back for sure, he definitely appears to be on the right path. And, don't be surprised that if Junior's upward trend continues, NASCAR attendance and TV ratings will also show an upward bounce.
So, let's hear your thoughts: DO YOU THINK DALE EARNHARDT JR.'s ENHANCED PERFORMANCE THUS FAR IN 2010 WILL CONTINUE OR IS JUNIOR NATION DESTINED FOR DISAPPOINTMENT?
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Sorry, but I'm not buying it... Yeah, he may make the chase, but he'll never win a title because he's simply not aggressive enough... Personally, I think he's much more comfortable kicked back chillin' at Whiskey River or on the lake than he is bumping and grinding for position on the track. To his detriment, AGGRESSIVENESS on the track is not genetic.
ReplyDeleteNow that's funny... just because the guy's in the top 12, you're trying to make it sound like, "HE'S BACK!"... well, let me tell you something... He's had his best days and he'll NEVER win a championship.... ESPECIALLY as long as Jimmie Johnson is still driving. GO #48!
ReplyDeleteFigures. The only comments are 2 people who hate Junior. Why is that, Jerry. If it's an article about Jr and they hate him so bad, why do they read it? I listened to his tirade on the radio with Lance at Bristol. He's definitely still got it in him to go for the win. I watched drive to the front at Daytona. The guys working. I doubt he has time to "kick back at Whiskey River" plus he's not the only one chasing the 48 (band wagon jumper?) I hoping he's back. Like it or not, Nascar needs him.
ReplyDeleteI believe with the change to Lance, Jr made a big step toward righting his ship. Will it bring a championship, that’s still to be seen. Has it made him better during the race, again the jury is out. What I can say is that finally, other than Pops, someone is on the pit box that will give it to Jr. like he sees it, and not put up with any of his BS.
ReplyDeleteI believe Jr, can win a championship, but he will have to drive his butt off, and not “lay down” if he wants to win it all.
-Taglia
The biggest change this year that has benifited Junior is that Mark Martins crew chief is "overseeing" the 88"s program now if Junior and team will listen and learn he might just come out of this hole he's dugged.The only problem I see with this is i dont think Martin's team is doing as good as they should be, waiting will tell But let me say it again Junior is a 13th to 22nd place finish driver there's nothing wrong with that many drivers are for him to get a win will mean alot of work and he'd better get better because Hendrick's has been known to fire the "best" before
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