Dale Earnhardt Jr.: He Is Back

On the last lap of the Daytona 500 Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove like a man possessed going from 10th place to finish 2nd.  He led the race, ran in the front pack and spent time running mid pack, but in the end he proved he was serious about racing and winning.

In a post race interview he expressed disappointment at being so close to a win.  There was no smile on his face even though he was a half a car length behind the winner when he crossed the finish line.

Jr. received a push from Reutimann that helped to propel him on his banzai run to the front.  He made moves through the leading group reminiscent of maneuvers you might have seen from his Daddy.

Dale Jr. has appeared relaxed at Daytona during Speedweeks. He joked about his "spectacular" display when he was flipped on his roof and knocked around like a ping pong ball during the Nationwide race.

With Danica Patrick garnering all the media attention, it took some of the pressure off Jr.  He was able to walk around without having every move scrutinized.  It wasn't a priority for people to ask him about his performance expectations in 2010.

In media predictions his name never came up as a possible winner or even front runner.  The lack of attention further enabled him to concentrate on what he was there to do....race.

Dale Jr. appreciates all his fans have done for him and their support even in the bad times.  He wants to give them what they expect and it looks like Jr. Nation will once again have reason to cheer.

At Daytona, Jr. was 22nd prior to the first green, white checkered attempt.  Calm and calculating he went places that other cars weren't. 

This was just one race and certainly doesn't indicate performance for a season, but Earnhardt Jr. has his head on straight.

He has the finest of equipment, his mind is in a good place, he is happy in his personal life and ready to race.

Jr. Nation can exhale now.  It appears he is back in racing form and 2010 is going to be a strong year for him.

He may not have won the Daytona 500, but he gave us the thrills of old.