Ranking Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Restrictor-Plate Wins

2002 Aaron’s 499

The 2002 Aaron’s 499 was an event dominated by Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip combined to lead over 140 laps of the 188 lap event. 133 laps alone were led by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Once again Earnhardt Jr. and Waltrip crossed the line one-two as fans were becoming accustomed to at restrictor plate events. Prior to the spring of 2002 Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip finished first and second in two other restrictor plate events. The 2001 Daytona 500 and the 2001 Pepsi 400. They would go on to finish first and second once more in the 2003 EA Sports 500. The last time Michael Waltrip visited victory lane.

This win became Earnhardt Jr.’s first of 2002 and second in a row at Talladega. Dale Earnhardt Jr. would go on to win the fall race at Talladega and extend his streak of wins to three. This would tie Earnhardt Jr. with Buddy Baker for most wins in a row at the 2.666 mile superspeedway.