Give Earnhardt Jr. credit for a good season so far.

Last year there was a lot of discussion on Jr. being "washed up." "He didn't care anymore." "He just didn't have the desire." Etc., etc., etc.. Well guess what naysayers? Junior is third in points. Almost won a race. And what do we get? "Anyone else driving the car would have moved Harvick over to win." He could have, but then what if he wrecked both of them and had a DNF? Nope, smart points racing. But no credit for his performance in the race from the naysayers. We bash Kyle Busch but weDO give him credit for being a great race car driver. So hey race fans, (if indeed that's what we are,)let us give Junior credit where credit is due. Again, in case you haven't noticed he is THIRD (3rd) in points. I know that it is early in the season, but that didn't seem to matter last year.

updated by @tommie-clinard: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

Very good point Tommie! Although I don't remember being a naysayer as such last year, I have often questioned whether or not Junior would be in a race car were it not for him being an Earnhardt. But you are so right! We (including me, maybe especially me) are quick to jump on the "downer side" and not equally as quick to climb on the "up side". I do wish Junior well and I would be thrilled to see him win the title for himself and for the Earnhardt name. Thanks for writing and posting this one.

Tim

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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.

if i had run as long as him i could probally be third in points an if he wins the points which is very unlikely he will have to have some help the guy cant drive hes finger up his $$$$$ never had it never will riding the earnhardt name you dont think hendrick hired him to win races cause he cant hes just getting rich off people like you buying his collectibles

A bit harsh, but I agree with Toddy. It would be good for the sport if he could win a race ot 2 a year and contend for the championship. It could happen. I'm not a Jr fan, I didn't fall for all the hipe. I can tell he's not a great racer but if the car is perfect he can win. But the car will have to be better than most for him to win.

I tell Jr fans here at the office this, When you look at Dale Sr you see a Thoroughbred... when you look at Dale Jr you see a Mule.

He should have been winning much more with the equipment he's been in. It's not the cars fault, it's not the crew chiefs fault, it goes back to who is holding the wheel.

I may have been too harsh. I think my point is that he should have many more wins when you consider the equipment he's been in. You are right, on any "Given Sunday" he can win, but it's been over 100 Sundays... Too much hipe.

I know I have an issue when it comes to Dale Jr and I will make this promise right here, I will not post my views on here unless I can remain positive or neutral. Thanks Pkl for slapping my hand, I needed that.

I agree. I don't think he's been this high in points since 2003 or 2004.

Let's see. How many races was it between Jeff Gordon's wins? Jeff Burton? Mark Martin is a GREAT race car driver. He has never won a Cup Championship. I believe that all of these guys have great equipment every time they go on the track.

I will not carry this any further. Some people just don't care for Jr. So be it. But to say that he can't drive a race car is going a little too far.

I don't have any of his collectibles either. I do have a few of Sr.'s. I have some of my own also.

Take care.

He's a fair racer but I've heard for several years now that the problem with Jr was that he couldn't communicate well enough to the crew chief what the car was doing. Now after 4 different crew chiefs he's showing a little promise. Will it last, time will tell. It would be good for the sport if he can win. I just hope I'm not at the race he wins.