Beyond the Flag
Fansided

NASCAR: Hendrick Motorsports Spring Break Update

By Trevor Grasso

Jul 10, 2015; Sparta, KY, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) talks with Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr (88) during practice for the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2015; Sparta, KY, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) talks with Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr (88) during practice for the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Apr 8, 2017; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) during practice for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Fort Worth, TX, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) during practice for the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

  • Wins: None
  • Standings: 20th- 133 points (182 behind leader)
  • Top 10’s: 1
  • Avg Finish: 21.7
  • Stage Wins: None
  • Poles: None

Fans were anxious to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. start this season after concussion-like symptoms ended his 2016 campaign early last summer. Even after starting on the front row of the Daytona 500, the first six races were far from what everyone hoped to see as he failed to record a top 10 and had an average finish of 24.5.

Last week at Texas, Dale Jr. found some success and crossed the finish line in 5th place. It was his first top 5 of the season. Like teammate Jimmie Johnson, the driver of the #88 hopes he can build momentum off of the race at Texas to get his season going on the right track.

In order to become a true contender for his first championship, Dale Jr. needs to stay healthy first and foremost, but he also needs to begin to show the consistency of a veteran driver at the top of the series. After the bye week, we head to Bristol where Dale Jr. finished second last April. A second career win on the short track would truly show Dale Jr. is ready to get into the championship mix.

Home/NASCAR