One thing I hear from many a NASCAR fan (whose favorite driver isn’t Junior or his Hendrick teammates) is, “Junior is just popular because of his dad!” and other similar comments. They talk as if the man can’t drive to save his life. No one can deny that his father’s legacy, as well as his subsequent death, probably contributed to his unmatched popularity, but I firmly believe that he has more than earned the respect and admiration of those who cheer him on every week.
The 2007 season solidified this for me. Commentators for each week’s races often say things such as, “He’s driving the wheels off of that car!” when talking about a driver giving it all he and the car have.
Well, during the 2007 season I heard that little phrase far more than I ever had before and it was directed at Junior.
Albeit, mostly in the “race for the chase”, I agreed whole-heartedly. I also believe that he does this anytime he thinks his car can take what he asks of it. THIS year it can.
The 2008 season has showed what Junior can do when he has the right equipment.
He has “driven the wheels off of that car” every race this year. Sure, it shows more when he’s at the front of the pack or when fighting to stay there, but it’s happening.
He and Kyle Busch are the kings of saving a car that’s gone ‘slideways’. Earnhardt has even admitted that he believes this is his best year as far as consistency goes. It would be hard for anyone, Junior fan or not, to disagree.
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