Jeffrey Earnhardt Attempts To Qualify For First Nationwide Race At Dover

This weekend could mark history in Dover, DE.

Jeffrey Earnhardt, the son of part time driver Kerry Earnhardt and nephew of Sprint Cup racer Dale Earnhardt Jr., will attempt to make the field for the Nationwide race in the Heluva Good! 200 on Saturday.

The 19-year-old grandson of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt will be driving the No. 31 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet that his father Kerry has driven once this season. The team is co-owned by Stanton Barrett and has an affiliation with Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

He finished fifth in the points in NASCAR's Busch East Series in 2007 and won the Most Popular Driver Award at the end of the season.

Jeffrey realizes the challenges of having a lack of experience and having to race against some of the best drivers on the planet.

"I can't wait to make my start in the Nationwide Series and race at Dover," said Jeffrey Earnhardt. "Right now, I'm just working on getting comfortable in the car and getting some experience. I know there's some tough competition in Nationwide, so I'm looking forward to learning a lot from the guys in the field. I want to run a good race and get used to the car."

Jeffrey Earnhardt will run a limited schedule for the rest of 2009 and hopes to put together a full-time ride in the Nationwide Series in 2010.

He would like to one day race for the company his grandfather built, but knows he must prove himself first. Dover could be a nice starting point, if he can qualify and make the field.

"It would be great to be able to race for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. We all have to work hard and earn that opportunity."

It appears this kid is modest and wants to do things the right way. He doesn't expect his name to get him any special perks that no other driver would get, and in this scenario it won't.

My personal opinion would be that this kid never gets the opportunity for a ride with DEI. I would like to be wrong, but if I know Teresa Earnhardt like I think I do, I don't think I will be.