NASCAR: Has Father Time Passed Drivers Over 40?

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 40 years old

2014 was an unbelievable year for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 88 team. Earnhardt Jr. opened the 2014 season by winning the Daytona 500 which ultimately punched his ticket into the chase. Earnhardt would later pad his spot in the chase by winning two more times before the chase began. Unfortunately Earnhardt didn’t run well down the stretch and into the chase and the result was him not making it to the championship race. Earnhardt Jr. did win a race in the chase but at that point he was already eliminated.

Despite his impressive run in 2014 there are many who believe that the No. 88 team will take a step back in 2015. This season Greg Ives will replace Steve Letarte atop of the No. 88 pit box which is what has some fans worried. The loss of Letarte will certainly hurt the No. 88 team but it will by no means cost them a run at a title. Earnhardt Jr. has shown over the last couple of years that he is able to be consistent. The No. 88 car will find victory lane again this season and Earnhardt Jr. will be in the chase.

Earnahrdt Jr. will most likely race for another 3-5 years but it’s hard to determine where that will be at. He has already said he wants to run for JR Motorsports before he retires. That could mean he will do that in his late 40’s or it could mean he will leave HMS sooner to accomplish that goal.

Prediction: While Earnhardt Jr. will make the chase in 2015 and many seasons to come, I just don’t see him winning a title. I think that Earnhardt Jr. winning a title would truly be a great moment and one that I support and would like to see but I simply don’t see it happening.