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Earnhardt!

That's the battle cry one hears at every Nextel Cup race when car number 8 drives onto the track. Behind the wheel of that car is Dale Earnhardt, Jr. But, one has to wonder if that battle cry is more a tribute to the father, than it is for the son. When Dale Earnhardt, Sr., who drove the number 3 car, died in a wreck at the 2001 Daytona 500, his son, Dale Jr., was shoved into the spotlight a bit prematurely. Junior had won two championships in the Busch series; however, filling his Dad's shoes was a tall order for someone who had just completed his rookie year with the Winston Cup.

Dale Earnhadt, Sr. was arguably one of the best race car drivers in NASCAR, rivaled only by Richard Petty. By default, Junior inherited many of his dad's fans upon his death, and to this day he remains one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. But, one can argue that he would be just another mediocre driver if he had been born John Doe. Junior has just not lived up to his dad's reputation, talent, or skill. Maybe that's about to change.

This year we will find out what Dale Jr. is really made of. Mid-season last year, it was announced that Dale would be leaving his self-titled Dale Earnharft, Inc. and sign a five-year deal with the one of the most successful motorsports organization in NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports. His new teammates include Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson, two very successful drivers in their own right. On February 10, Dale will debut his new number 88 at the Daytona 500.

Dale's association with Hendrick Motorsports should provide him the same advantages that these two former champions enjoy. The Hendrick organization is probably the best funded of all the teams in NASCAR; they attract big money sponsors. Rick Hendrick knows how to put together a winning team and has the track record to prove it. Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson win more than their fair share of races. And both of them have won championships. An important part of any winnding team is the garage crew. Hendrick is known for recruiting the best engineers and technical experts for his cars. Hendrick pit crews and crew chiefs are top-notch in the sport. But, there is another part of the equation. Rick Hendrick also attracts the best drivers. He wouldn't have signed Dale to a five year deal, if he didn't believe that he would be a winning driver. Rick must see a potention winner when he looks at Dale Junior. Maybe he knows something that the rest of us don't

Dale is the big NASCAR story to watch this year. This could be the year of the great comeback of the Earnhardt legacy. Next week is the tenth anniversary of Dale Senior's last win at the Daytona 500. It would be an amazing moment for Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Hendrick Motorsports, and NASCAR if junior won this race. At least we can imagine that his daddy will be watching and cheering him on.

Good luck Junior.

Learn more about this author, Barbara Cox.
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