Dale Earnhardt Jr: Daytona 500 Win Within Reach With Return of Pack Racing

It’s been a long time since Dale Earnhardt found his way to victory row.

A 128-race drought dating back to 2008 has overshadowed everything Little E has done in the last three years and he’s getting sick of it (via USA Today): “I just want to win anywhere; I just want to get it done.”

With a new year and a bushy beard to kick off the 2012 season, things are looking up for Earnhardt at the Daytona 500.

Why?

Pack racing.

It was on full display at the Bud Shootout and the consensus among drivers is how great it is to have it back. The style is much more aggressive and drivers are able to take more risks…which leads to more wrecks. Just ask Jeff Gordon.

This is much different from the tandem style of racing that typically features only two drivers side-by-side. It leads to blind pushing, the feeling you aren’t always in complete control and having to be in constant communication with his crew. Earnhardt recently called the style of racing “foolish” and is a lot more comfortable with the pack style (via Washington Post):

"

I do feel like I have a better shot at winning in this current style of racing. I do feel more confident than I did coming down here and tandem drafting. I never felt really great about that. It is a completely different style of racing and it’s not what I enjoyed.

I definitely feel better about this.

"

Earnhardt won the “Great American Race” back in 2004 and has 13 career victories at Daytona; he is very familiar with the place.

Two years ago, before tandem racing took off, Earnhardt finished in second behind Jamie McMurray in a finish that came down to the very last second.

It’s a new year, a fresh start and the mental strains of the Sprint Cup chase have yet to take off. With his experience at the track and the return of pack racing, now is the time for Earnhardt Jr. to snap the losing streak and hoist the Daytona 500 trophy in victory lane.