Jimmie Johnson isn’t the only one giving thanks this holiday weekend for the NASCAR season that just ended. There’s another group of drivers who will give pause before the holiday feast and be thankful it’s finally over.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: The biggest sigh of relief when the checkered flag flew in last Sunday’s season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway came from inside the cockpit of the DEI Budweiser No. 8. After Junior’s last ride in the car he’d driven his entire Cup career ended in a 36th-place finish after two separate accidents, he had to have a smile from ear to ear knowing the nightmare season was finally over. Saddled at times with inferior equipment that resulted in nine engine failures and just plain bad luck, Earnhardt Jr. can finally put aside the DEI chapter of his career and begin anew with powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports next season. “I guess I thought I would be sadder, but I am not. I still have all these guys as friends; that is even better than the working relationship. Now, I am ready to get to work.” Pete Pistone, SportsLine.com
Hopefully, Junior can put a season of engine failures and personal turmoil behind him.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.‘s announcement he would bolt DEI for Hendrick Motorsports rocked the racing world in mid-season and set-up an all-star squad like none before for Hendrick in 2008. Pete Pistone, RacingOne.com
Dale Earnhardt Jr. may have the most to be thankful for. He’s thankful that he’s leaving this season of bitter disappointment behind at DEI, and going to Hendrick next season. Joe Menzer, NASCAR.com
| 
|