A young child is sitting perfectly still in front of the TV watching a NASCAR race for the first time. Eyes follow a white car with a red "8" painted on the door and the broadcasters’ voices beam with passion when talking about the many emotions surrounding the young driver behind the wheel.
The child stays glued to her chair, barely moving a muscle throughout the entire race. But after the checkered flag has flown and the white car has won, she cracks a smile and begins to feel the excitement. The child is now hooked on this fast-paced sport, and has already chosen a driver to root for.
For the remainder of the 2001-2002 season, the new fan occasionally catches glimpses of certain races. She takes an interest in going into the toy section of a store and recognizing the finely painted and detailed cars. Soon, the fan is collecting posters and hats with the red “8” on them.
The 2003 season brings a change in this young fan. Starting with the Daytona 500, she watches every lap and every race, gaining knowledge and passion. She starts to absorb every detail of the race, rules, drivers, and teams.
By 2004's Daytona 500, the fan feels connected to the sport and its drivers and begins to feel the thrill of every No. 8 victory and the frustration of every loss.
Throughout the season the fan, along with her favorite driver, dreams of a championship. All the while, she is eating up everything that has to do with NASCAR, from websites, to books, to racing-related television programs. Soon, the fan is talking to and teaching the adults around her with the knowledge she's acquired.
However, the true test of this fan's loyalty to driver No. 8 would come after the thrill of winning the 2004 Daytona 500 and the defeat of not capturing the championship when, in 2005, the driver had the worst season of his career.
When the driver wasn’t winning, constantly crashing, and failed to qualify for the Chase for the championship, the fan stuck with her driver. Through thick and thin and through continuous heartbreak, tears began to shed.
By now the fan knew every website and never missed a race, qualifying, or practice session, going as far as to change her schedule to follow NASCAR’s. The term "fan" was no longer appropriate—instead, "obsession" was. The weekend wasn’t for friends, it was for racing.
In 2006 the passion only amplified. Every detail of what was happening on and off the track was closely monitored and relayed to family members and friends. Everyone knew to go to this fan for information regarding anything NASCAR.
Except, just following the sport wasn’t enough. Soon, she was concerned with everything other drivers and teams were doing and loudly expressed her opinions.
She soon held opinions about the good drivers and bad ones, the arrogant drivers and those without personality. However, the fan still stayed loyal to this one driver, defending his actions or criticizing his performance. She never turned away.
Even in 2007 when the driver never visited victory lane and more tears came and sore toes became common—computers chairs are not soft she learned. Even when other fans jumped ship to a driver who was winning or because they didn’t like that driver No. 8 was becoming driver No. 88 and joining Hendrick Motorsports the following year.
But this fan, no longer the young child she was in 2001, anxiously awaited the new season and new merchandise. In February of 2008, the fan and Jr. Nation didn’t have to wait long to see how well driver No. 88 would do with Hendrick Motorsports as he went out and won the Budweiser Shootout in the first of two non-points events.
Five days later as he won the first Gatorade Duel, the fan along with her father and friend were on a plane to attend the three races of Speedweeks. Now there was hope of seeing the most dominant driver during early February end it in victory lane.
But after their feet hit the Florida pavement the No. 88 never saw victory lane again and even though he finished in the top 10, it was little consolation for the fan. “I just wanted him to win so much because I was here. It would have been special. I just don’t understand how he is always so strong during the race but never seems to be there at the end.” Victory watch ’08 began.
Then the questions came. Why root for a mediocre driver? “He’s far from mediocre.” What do you think about him joining Hendrick Motorsports? “He’s finally going to win more races and contend and win championships, plus it makes him happier.”
Then there was the question the fan repeatedly asked herself. Why remain loyal to a driver who has sent you on a roller coaster of emotions? Why does she get so intense when NASCAR makes certain or does not make certain rulings? Or when other drivers just annoy her to no end?
But after six years of closely watching and passionately cheering for driver No. 8—now driver No. 88—it was as if the fan personally knew him and would always defend him. Maybe it gives the fan an outlet for living their unrealistic dreams through a favorite driver and sport.
Being the devoted fan she is, and with the knowledge she's acquired, it’s only natural that she becomes upset when rulings seem unfair, when other drivers act a certain way or interfere with the performance of the fan's favorite driver. It’s not uncommon to see her rant and rave—continuously.
In 2006 as driver No. 8 led at Talladega with the laps dwindling down the fan anxiously paced the floor, as all of Jr. Nation did, wondering and waiting if the driver could pick up his second win of the year and take over the points lead.
That was until contact from Brian Vickers sent everything into a tailspin. Vickers is still one of the most hated men in NASCAR.
That was in 2006, and in 2008 there is a new public enemy number one—and that’s Kyle Busch. Busch spun out the No. 88 who was leading with three laps to go at Richmond and looking to snap a two-year winless streak.
As the No. 88 backed into the wall and finished 15th, the fan slipped off the couch and onto her knees, then started to pound her fists into the carpet in disbelief.
For the next week the phrases “I can’t believe it” and “He didn’t even try to brake” were her mantras. YouTube became popular as the fan reviewed and reviewed the tape, in shock as to what she saw.
This fan's journey would soon come full circle as well as that of her favorite driver. They both kept telling themselves that the win was coming and it did in the most unlikely place and in the most unlikely way.
It was June 15, 2008 and the fan had settled in, with textbooks in hand, to watch the Lifelock 400 at the Michigan International Speedway.
Soon, the textbooks became more interesting than the race as Jimmie Johnson dominated the day. Then her ears perked up when she heard that the No. 88 was going to try and win on fuel mileage and soon the fan was on the arm of the couch watching the last six laps click away.
With sweaty palms, short breath, and misty eyes, she watched as her driver coasted on fumes across the finish line to win for the first time since May of 2006. A real and excited smile broke out and tears openly came, but she didn’t care. She had waited and waited for this moment. Fists were repeatedly pumped in the air, everyone could finally celebrate.
NASCAR is an emotional sport for drivers, teams, and fans and it is certainly about passion.
Since 2001 I’ve grown to embrace one of the world’s fastest and most dangerous sports. From being the young girl in front of the TV trying to understand why they were going in circles, to telling others it’s more than that.
I’ve studied the races and rulings. I enjoy the history of the sport and live to travel to races. From my first Pepsi 400 in 2004 to the 50th running of the Daytona 500, I crave Sundays.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s last win came three days before I lost my grandfather to his battle with cancer. With Jr.’s first win since that time, I really feel like I’m allowed to celebrate again and that my journey has come full circle and I smile at the fact that it came on Father’s Day.
Do I cry? Of course I cry. Anyone who’s passionate about something gets emotional. And of course I cried when I saw the No. 88 back in victory lane. But that’s what NASCAR and life are all about—having fun and caring about the things you love and then writing about it.
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3 months ago
I'm totally woman enough to admit I cried when I saw the 88 back in Victory Lane. Did I cry in 2004 when Dale Jr won the Daytona 500 totally. Do I cry when I see clips of the 2001 Pepsi 400? Like a baby :) Just hearing Allen Bestwick say, "Using lessons learned from his father" Is enough to send me into tears. Let's not forget Atlanta 2004 when the 48 team won after Ricky Hendrick's death. Seeing Chad Knaus break down on the pit box that afternoon tore me up! (I love Chad! I love that crazy innovative man and I hope some of his innovative, creative ideas flow to Tony Jr, only Tony Jr does it better and doesn't have to take that NASCAR enforced vacation lol)
This is a great article! :) You are 100 percent right NASCAR and life is all about having fun, and caring about the things you love. Writing about it just an extra perk! :)
3 months ago
Wow that was great! I feel like you are telling the story of alot of people i know... being a female race fan is so interesting really. You said so many things that I totally related to like "i feel like i finally have permission to celebrate again." How incredible was that feeling.... also.. having to explain to non-race fans that it's more than going in circles UGHH... how often have we had to do analagies comparing a race season to baseball season (it's more than ONE GAME its a SEASON!).
And lastly... it is wonderful that Jr's win was on Father's Day! How absolutely appropriate for so many reasons... as if a blessing and help (again) from his dad!
Thanks for the great article...i loved reading it!
3 months ago
Jr is an overrated driver who had everthing handed to him, that first race you saw in 2001 was scripted for jr to win, 6 months after the accident. NASCAR had set him up to win, he passed 7 cars in 6 laps with no drating help. It was a case of favortism in its pureest form. They say the other drivers agreed to let him win, but I still think it was wrong. I too am emotional and react the same way when I see Jr get away with blatant cheating as you do when you see him in "victory lane". Jr is the product of pure mass media marketing. He does not have the talent that his father did or that rowdy has. Kyle Busch is my driver because he has talent, not becuae he is the "most popular" driver...Jrh88er
from 3 months ago
I'm sorry to argue with you but Junior hasn't had anything handed to him. He's had to work very hard to get where he's at. His father didn't just hand him a car and say go. He had to work to get respect. People didn't just start respecting him because he was Dale Sr's kid. He had to go out there and earn it from the other drivers. He also had to work on his car if he tore it up racing he had to fix it. And if everything was handed to him don't you think that Junior would have a heck of a lot more wins now since he is the sports most popular driver-which by the way is a FAN Voted award?!?!?
3 months ago
I beg to differ with you, he may have had some "go-karts" that he fiddled with, but DEI set him up for Busch series. At the time DEI had top rated equipment, and he breezed to 2 championship series in Busch as we all know. Jr in no way shape or form had to "work is way up", his dad was the ledgend and all that Jr is, was and will be will always be directly related to his father. All of Sr's fans went to Jr without him having to accomplish anything.
Now someone who had to work their way up is Kyle Busch who comes from working middle class background, not related to racing. There is just no way to sell that Jr had to "work for everything" it jsut wont fly to anyone of average intellect.
Jr's history of cheating runs long and deep, with restricor plate advantages, to beign able pass under the yellow line during cautions, so on and so forth. It is in NASCAR's best interest to let him get away with whatever he wants, and the fans certainly don't care, in their eyes Jr can do no wrong. However Jr won't be able to control the fact that there are morle talented drivers out there then him. He just won't be able to cheat his way around that, and thus he will never equal his father...sorry to break it to you! The Jrh88er
from 3 months ago
He didn't just fiddle with go carts my friend. From Wikipedia page....
Early career:
Earnhardt, Jr. was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina to Brenda Lorraine Gee and Ralph Dale Earnhardt, Sr. His maternal grandfather, Robert Gee, Sr., was a NASCAR car builder. [1] He began his Racing career at the late age of 17, competing in the Street Stock division at Concord (N.C.) Motorsport Park. His first race car was a 1979 Monte Carlo that he co-owned with older half-brother Kerry. Within two seasons, the young Earnhardt, Jr. had honed his driving abilities to the point of joining the Late Model Stock Car division. There he developed an in-depth knowledge of chassis setup and car preparation, while racing against Kerry and Dale's sister Kelley Earnhardt-Elledge. Junior ran 9 Busch Series races between 1996 and 1997 for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Ed Whitaker, respectively, before driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the Busch Series full time in 1998. Earnhardt, Jr. won consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championships in 1998 and 1999 over Matt Kenseth. Also in 1999 he drove in 5 Winston Cup races in the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc., then in 2000 he went full time in the Winston Cup series.
He didn't even start racing until he was 17. Junior has said time and time again that his dad would make him fix the cars he wrecked.
And as far as Junior cheating I say slip into your pj's my friend. If Junior is allowed to cheat then why did Tony Eury Jr have to spend 6 weeks away from the track last season. If Junior is allowed to cheat why is it that Junior was fined 25 points and 10 grand for saying the bad pooh word in Victory lane.
I know that not everyone is going to like Dale Jr and that is totally okay. My own father told me that while he respects Dale Jr, he's not his favorite driver. Kyle Busch is and that's okay. It's the rivalries like that between fans and drivers alike that make our sport so great.
There is nothing that I'm going to say that is going to make you change your mind on things and that is okay too.
We all need to wear rose tinted glasses from time to time.
3 months ago
Ok, you are being very civil and I appreciate that (I useully get death threats from Jr nation) there is no need for me to be hateful. But I would like to point out a contradiction. If Jr does not cheat than why should Tony Jr have to be suspended? So what that says is that Jr does cheat and that time was caught red handed and had to be fined and suspended. I think the driver should get suspeded not the crew chief. Frankely I was shocked that NASCAR did anything to him or Eury, gosh only knows the things they have gotten away with! As for the Curse word that was national TV, the had to do something or face FCC penalties, you just can't curse that that to reporters...but Jr thinks he can get away with it all, but yet again I was surprised they did anything to him. Other teams must have complained and they must have had pressure. Wikepedia as you know is not factual publication it can be edited by anyone, not to say those things are untrue, but you can't compare having to fix a car your wreck owned by your billionare dad to someone like shrub who had nothing at all but talent.
from 3 months ago
Tony Jr got sent home due to there being something wrong with the car. I don't remember exactly what it was. Most drivers I'd say probably 95 percent of them do not even touch the car until they are inside putting the wheel on and driving for practice, qualifying or the race. Crew Chiefs play in the "gray area" to try and get advantage for their team. That has nothing to do with a drivers ability to strap himself into a car and drive.
So really Dale Jr had nothing to do with it, therefore there should be no reason to suspend a driver when chances are they didn't know anything about it. I'll buy your explanation for the curse words, except that just recently as in last week or the week prior Kurt Busch dropped the "f" bomb and it went out on the air over the Speed Channel. Yes, that's a cable channel and isn't subjected to the same rules as say, your local NBC station but they set the precedent with Junior back then so NASCAR should have fined Kurt. As far as other teams complaining about the curse word I'm pretty sure that's not where NASCAR got the pressure from. I'm pretty sure it was from the FCC and the fear of a big fat fine for NASCAR, NBC, and something for Junior so they had to fine him (again I'll give you that one.)
You could say that since Chad Knaus (who in my opinion is one of the smartest guys in the garage) has spent time at home that Jimmie Johnson cheats too. Or Since Bootie Barker just got back that Scott Riggs, or Johnny Sauter(whoever was in the car at the time) are cheaters too. If you're gonna play that card you have to start calling everyone who's ever had a crew chief sent home a cheater. I seem to remember Kyle Busch's crew Chief when he was on the 5 team a couple of years ago getting sent home so by your definition of cheating with Dale Jr that would make Kyle a cheater too then right?
As far as Wikepedia goes, I know it can be edited by anyone, but his Wikipedia page has information taken from NASCAR.com, Sports Illustrated.com, the Seattle Times, and other reputable places of information. And the fact that time and time again Dale Jr has talked about owning his car and working on it prior to racing for his dad. For the longest time Dale Jr worked in the shop, and I'm not talking DEI, I'm talking Dale Earnhardt Chevy doing breaks and tune ups on cars and drove his late model on the weekends and days off.
3 months ago
So let me get this straight, dunk (?)........wtf kind of name is that anyway ? You join this site YESTERDAY, you can't spell and you have nothing good to say about someones OPINION. Did you just get out of jail or did the Kyle Busch bandwagon you ride, run you over ? I AM a member of Jr. Nation and I DO cheer for Kyle. WHY ? Read my articles, maybe you'll understand. Or did I use too many big words for you to read ?
from 2 months ago
Brian, no I did not just get back from jail...Iraq actually...thanks for your lovely comments! I'm sorry for my gramatical mistakes, I use my voyager phone to do this stuff on and I'm not that good at it yet, nor does it have spell check.
Jr nation huh? Wow what a rare breed, only 95% of NASCAR, to include the head office, the officals, and just about everyone else. I will not mince works, I do not like Jr, I beleive with all my heart that he is a cheat, is overrated, overhyped, set up to win by NASCAR, (the 2001 pepsi 400, Michigan 2008). I watched many a race in my off time in the combat zone, and from what I've seen Jr just does not have the level of driving talent that justifies the attention he gets, therefore the reaon for the hysteria that surronds him is most definately his last name and the ledgend of his father. He instalty inherited all the fans from his father. I guess I really do get it about how all this came about, the southern boy thing, his last name. However Kyle Busch is really showing what pure driving talent is all about, and all your happy thoughts about Jr, won't ever be able to put that in him...he is not his daddy!
3 months ago
Oh yea, Great article Kelly! Well written and an awesome explaination of how we all become them. Cry when Jr. won the 500 ? Like I fell off my bike and skinned my knee. Miss Dale Sr. Yup I do that too. Cheer for my driver, every week. Nothin' better than NASCAR...............BW
from 2 months ago
Kyle Busch has pure driving talent? Yes, the kid can drive but don't you think that he's being overrated this year? Can the announcers kiss his butt anymore during a race?
Think about this: Kyle Busch only had four career wins when he was with Hendrick Motorsports and never had more than two victories in one season. Then all of a sudden he moves to Joe Gibbs Racing and look at the year that he is having. If I was Kyle I would feel pretty stupid considering that he couldn't dominate like this in a Hendrick Chevrolet, but he can in a Toyota. So it must mean that he really has no talent and that it's all car. And by car I mean the advantage that the Toyota horsepower department makes.
2 months ago
Kelly, wow thanks for responding and not getting mad! I know I sound like the broken record of Jr critics, and I'm sure you heard it all before!
About the announcers I heard some of them crying on their knees when Jr went into the wall at Richmond they kept saying "no, no, no, no, like he had just done the worst thing in the history of the world. I don't see where they are kissing up to Kyle at all I think they appreciate a different kind of racing than the "points day" racing Hendrick brings.
I used to live in Vegas when my dad was stationed in Vegas in 97-01, for cheap family entertainment we would go watch Saturday night racing at the .3 mile oval. There was this kid who used to race legend cars who would smoke the field week in and week out. We all know who that kid is by now, but back then we all knew he would be in NASCAR.
You should have seen how he would weave in and out and pass at will, much like he does today. I have great family memories that include Kyle Busch, and I know him on a different level than is portrayed today. How he used to thank his dad for helping him get his car and such. I liked the kid back then, he was still wiry and not the best looking kid I had ever seen, but a true talent.
I really think he got a bum deal from Hendrick the way the pushed him out for Jr, they really shafted him. But I also knew that this was going to come around. Because when you sort it all out as far as drivers go Jr is really maybe a little above average, but the hype and all of that make him out to be much more. So, a really good driver gets traded for a marketing machine which = money, which is kind of sad to see how a sport puts the commercial bottom line above sport...that is all
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