NASCAR: Five Drivers Who Need To Close The Season Strong

Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

The 2015 Chase is important for Dale Earnhardt Jr. because it feels like his proverbial window is closing. Earnhardt Jr. has already gone on the record as saying he wants to finish his career driving for JRM which has to make you wonder if he will remain with HMS past 2017 when his current deal ends.

Contract stuff aside, Earnhardt Jr. seems to falter when it comes time for the Chase. 2014 he lit the NASCAR world on fire only to stumble down the stretch and not be a factor. In 2015 he has hit the stretch and isn’t stumbling yet but an early exit from the Chase would put him right back into that category.

This season he needs to make some progress into the Chase. A title isn’t a must here but he needs to win a race or two and make a run to Miami. The last thing you want is to close the season again wondering what happened down the stretch.