2007 Predictions versus Reality: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
As promised, I’m going to bare all here at the Pit Stop Report and lay out the predictions from my ill-fated magazine article, and then compare them to reality. Some are funny, some actually on target. Either way, get your fill here!
Prediction
Watch the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. camp carefully in 2007, as affairs heat up between star driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the team owner, who is also his step-mother, Teresa Earnhardt. Given the ultimatum of choosing between a career in racing and a career as a public personality, Jr. may find the impetus to finally achieve his first championship season. Although qualifying for the Chase in two of the three seasons since its inception, each finish has been lackluster at best. As he struggles over deciding the best route for his future, which may well include eventually driving the Black #3 made famous by his father, this could turn out to be a breakthrough year.
Reality
Well, I was right about one thing: DEI needed close watching in 2007, and now it’ll need even closer watching to see what’ll become of Teresa’s baby in 2008. She may have given Jr. an ultimatum to race instead of be a celebrity, but he gave her the ultimate ultimatum when he asked for a share of the company and was denied…and so decided to depart for Hendrick. What a lousy season…didn’t qualify…again. How many blown engines? I can’t barely stand to think about it. I’ll admit to you, dear audience, that I’m way disappointed that Jr. went to Hendrick instead of RCR, but I am anxious to see how he’ll perform in the #88 in 2008. All those 8s…bound to be good luck, right?
Next up…Jr’s new Hendrick teammate, Jimmy Johnson.
Until then, drive fast and turn left!
December 11th, 2007 at 11:25 pm
[...] about Martin’s career so far: First, he’s been part of a phenomenal team. Spats between Dale, Jr. and Theresa notwithstanding, DEI is an outstanding organization and they have allowed Martin to [...]
December 21st, 2007 at 7:56 pm
[...] for the following year that could contribute to that statistic (I mean, really, how many times did Dale Earnhardt Jr. blow up this year?). Let me know your reasons in the comments [...]