Proof of Dale Jr. Being One of the Best...

[JUQ1115]

Saw this at Nascar.com and thought it would be a good fact check for the Dale Jr. fans and Haters! At least something great to read about Dale Jr. in a dismal season. It is a good pick-me up.

By the Numbers: Michigan

Earnhardt Jr. hits a milestone at place of his last victory

By Bill Kimm, NASCAR.COM
August 13, 2009
10:48 AM EDT

Michigan International Speedway was the site of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s last victory (June 2008) and when the green flies Sunday for the Carfax 400 (1 p.m. ET, ESPN), the 2-mile oval will host another milestone for the driver -- his 350th start.

This season has been a struggle for the veteran, but Michigan could be the antidote. Since 2006, Junior has been strong at MIS with an average finish 9.1 thanks to a victory, three top-fives and four top-10s. More importantly, Junior has been up front, leading at least one lap in all but one of those seven races.

Even though Earnhardt is seeing more disappointment than celebration these days, he is still one of the best drivers this past decade. He made his first Cup start at Lowe's Motor Speedway in 1999 and finished 16th. His first full Cup season began in 2000 and he is among the leaders in every statistical category in that timeframe.

INSIDE THE DATA
18Wins for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his career, fifth from 2000 to present. Jimmie Johnson (43), Jeff Gordon (33), Tony Stewart (33), and Kurt Busch (19) rank higher.
87Number of top-fives for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his career, fifth from 2000 to present. Jeff Gordon (139), Tony Stewart (130), Jimmie Johnson (110), and Matt Kenseth (91) rank higher.
140Number of top-10s for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his career, sixth from 2000 to present. Jeff Gordon (207), Tony Stewart (204), Jimmie Johnson (170), Matt Kenseth (168), and Mark Martin (149) rank higher.
6,473Number of laps led for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his career, fourth from 2000 to present. Jeff Gordon (10,198), Tony Stewart (9,282) and Jimmie Johnson (8,438) rank higher.





Thanks,

Jami

[rksnascards]

INSIDE THE DATA
18Wins for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his career, fifth from 2000 to present. Jimmie Johnson (43), Jeff Gordon (33), Tony Stewart (33), and Kurt Busch (19) rank higher.

How can you compare Junior to these four when each has at least ONE championship.

NOT a Junior Hater...but comeon....don't compare him with Drivers of Championship caliber.

[amorse7]

one problem.......how many championships does he have and how many years has he came close? enough said.

[race crazy]

im glad its a pick me up for Junior fans...I really got no comment and nothing good to add so ill just leave it lol.

[stlmkiiisupra]

I really don't care either way but I always wanted to see Jr. do as well as his dad and have major success in this sport. With that being said, I don't think his stats would look nearly that good if they were done using the modern era as a basis. Using year 2000 to present certainly makes things look better.

[mdclapps]

I really don't care either way but I always wanted to see Jr. do as well as his dad and have major success in this sport. With that being said, I don't think his stats would look nearly that good if they were done using the modern era as a basis. Using year 2000 to present certainly makes things look better.

True, out of the 6 HMS drivers, Dale is the only one who did not win!

[BlueHokie87]

hey kesslowski won with phoenix racing not hendricks lol. I like the stat if adjusted to the new car thanks

[mdclapps]

hey kesslowski won with phoenix racing not hendricks lol. I like the stat if adjusted to the new car thanks

That is a Hendrick driver, and a Hendrick car. The only thing not hendrick is the team name!

[lmich391]

He is employed by JR Motorsports not Hendrick. They get Hendrick support not cars from them.

[mdclapps]

He is employed by JR Motorsports not Hendrick. They get Hendrick support not cars from them.

Thats just the NNS. In the NSCS, he drives the #09 for Phoenix Racing, and the #25 for Hendrick Motorsports.